5 Common ADHD Myths: Debunked

August 6, 2024

1. “ADHD is a learning disability.”

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disorder are both types of neurodevelopmental disorders, but they are distinct conditions. A specific learning disorder is diagnosed when a person has ongoing trouble learning basic academic skills, like reading (dyslexia), math (dyscalculia), or writing (dysgraphia). These problems happen because the person has difficulty perceiving or processing information efficiently and accurately. In contrast, ADHD mainly involves trouble with paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children with ADHD might struggle in school, but this is not due to a difficulty in learning the academic skill (as in specific learning disorder), but rather it is due to a difficulty in performing that skill. Children with a specific learning disorder might seem inattentive in school because of frustration, lack of interest, or limited ability, but this inattention usually doesn’t affect other areas of their life unless they also have ADHD [11]. It is possible to be diagnosed with both ADHD and a specific learning disorder. When this happens, special interventions are needed to address both conditions effectively.

2. “You can’t have both ADHD and autism.”

It is possible to be diagnosed with both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Studies show that it’s common for people with autism to also have ADHD – about 50% to 70% of them do [9]. Being diagnosed with both conditions presents unique challenges, as standard ADHD treatments may be less effective or not as well tolerated in individuals with autism [10].

3. “Kids with ADHD will grow out of it and won’t have issues in adulthood.”

ADHD is a recognized mental disorder that is diagnosed based on specific signs and symptoms. While many children might show some signs of ADHD, like fidgeting or trouble listening, a formal diagnosis needs many symptoms to be present over time and across different situations. Children who are diagnosed with ADHD are very likely to have symptoms that continue into adulthood. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), up to 85% of children with ADHD continue to meet criteria for the disorder during their teenage years [3]. However, not all of them will have major issues as adults. Some individuals achieve high educational and career goals and do not exhibit significant emotional or behavioral problems by their mid-twenties [4]. While many children with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms and related impairments in adulthood, the degree of persistence and impact will vary. Early intervention and ongoing support are crucial in improving long-term outcomes.

4. “The medications used to treat ADHD are addictive and will lead to future substance use problems.”

The most effective treatment for ADHD in school-aged children and adolescents is stimulant medication, which includes both methylphenidate and amphetamines. These medications have gained a reputation for being addictive due to their potential for misuse [1]. But addiction, also called a severe substance use disorder, means having a pattern of distorted thinking and harmful behaviors and continuing to use the substance despite negative effects [2]. When taken correctly as prescribed, stimulant medications can help improve focus and function, unlike a substance use disorder, in which the substance harms a person’s life and overall functioning. Research shows that ADHD medications do not increase the risk of future substance abuse problems. In fact, they might even help protect against them [3].

5. “Treatment for ADHD will cure it.”

Treatment for ADHD does not cure the condition. ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that often persists into adulthood. Current treatments, including medications (both stimulants and non-stimulants) and behavioral interventions (such as cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral parent training), can help manage and reduce symptoms, but they won’t make ADHD go away. Medications are effective in helping with problems like being easily distracted, not paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, but they do not eliminate the disorder and need to be taken continuously to keep working [5-6]. Behavioral interventions can help patients develop skills to cope and improve their thinking and planning, but it doesn’t fix the underlying condition [7-8]. The best results usually come from using both medication and therapy together to optimize symptom control and improve overall functioning. ADHD usually requires ongoing management and support throughout an individual’s life.

Written by Noa Klausner, 4th year medical student at Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV

References

Chan E. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: Treatment with medications. In: UpToDate, Connor RF (Ed), Wolters Kluwer. (Accessed on July 25, 2024.)

Torrise, B. (2024) What is a substance use disorder?, Psychiatry.org – What Is a Substance Use Disorder? Available at: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder#section_12 (Accessed: 25 July 2024). 

Pliszka, S., & AACAP Work Group on Quality Issues (2007). Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 46(7), 894–921. https://doi.org/10.1097/chi.0b013e318054e724

Mannuzza, S., & Klein, R. G. (2000). Long-term prognosis in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America, 9(3), 711–726.

Faraone, S. V., Bellgrove, M. A., Brikell, I., Cortese, S., Hartman, C. A., Hollis, C., Newcorn, J. H., Philipsen, A., Polanczyk, G. V., Rubia, K., Sibley, M. H., & Buitelaar, J. K. (2024). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Nature reviews. Disease primers, 10(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-024-00495-0

Barbaresi, W. J., Campbell, L., Diekroger, E. A., Froehlich, T. E., Liu, Y. H., O’Malley, E., Pelham, W. E., Jr, Power, T. J., Zinner, S. H., & Chan, E. (2020). Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Complex Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP, 41 Suppl 2S, S35–S57. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000000770 

Fabiano, G. A., Pelham, W. E., Jr, Coles, E. K., Gnagy, E. M., Chronis-Tuscano, A., & O’Connor, B. C. (2009). A meta-analysis of behavioral treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Clinical psychology review, 29(2), 129–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2008.11.001

Safren, S. A., Sprich, S., Mimiaga, M. J., Surman, C., Knouse, L., Groves, M., & Otto, M. W. (2010). Cognitive behavioral therapy vs relaxation with educational support for medication-treated adults with ADHD and persistent symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 304(8), 875–880. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2010.1192 

Hours, C., Recasens, C., & Baleyte, J. M. (2022). ASD and ADHD Comorbidity: What Are We Talking About?. Frontiers in psychiatry, 13, 837424. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.837424

Murray M. J. (2010). Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the context of Autism spectrum disorders. Current psychiatry reports, 12(5), 382–388. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-010-0145-3 

American Psychiatric Association., American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5 Task Force.: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed.

About Us

Dr. Childress is a world renowned psychiatrist specializing in ADHD and Autism. She has been in clinical research for over 20 years with more than 120 published articles.  Dr. Lampert is a pediatrician with 25 years of experience. She has always had a special interest in behavioral and developmental problems. If you believe you or your child suffers from ADHD or ASD, contact us today!

 

The Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Inc is made up of 3 clinical research coordinators. Our tiny but mighty team are all eager to help ensure you and your child get the best treatment you deserve!

Contact Information

Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Inc. 702-750-0000