Statements
ADHD is only for children.
This statement is false. Kids, teens, adults, and older adults can have ADHD too.
Some people with ADHD are internally hyperactive.
This statement is not true. Some people present as inattentive as well. You can also present with both traits.
Having ADHD makes you lazy or incapable of success.
This statement is false. This is also a harmful stereotype. People with ADHD are capable of so many things, even if it takes different circumstances to achieve them.
Prescription ADHD medications are addictive when taken in doctor-recommended amounts.
This statement is false. If someone with ADHD takes their medication in amounts that their doctor prescribes, it is generally safe.
ADHD can impact emotional regulation.
This statement is true. ADHD can impact your ability to regulate your emotions. This is due to differences in the brain.
All cases of ADHD can be treated with medication.
This statement is false. ADHD medication does not work for everyone. Some people are genetically resistant to ADHD medications.
Some people with ADHD are externally hyperactive.
This statement is not true. Some people with ADHD are internally hyperactive. This means they might have racing thoughts, they are easily bored, and experience internal restlessness. These are not the only symptoms.
ADHD is overdiagnosed.
This statement is false. ADHD is being diagnosed more frequently due to a better understanding and more research.
ADHD is the same for everyone.
This statement is false. ADHD is not the same for everyone who has it. There are many types of ADHD, three main types, and each person can have different symptoms.
Only one test is done to diagnose ADHD.
This statement is false. People go through an extensive evaluation before being diagnosed with ADHD.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disability.
This statement is true. ADHD is commonly known as a learning disability, but it is really a neurodevelopmental disability. ADHD can still affect learning.
Some people with ADHD struggle to filter noise.
This statement is true. Some people with ADHD struggle to filter noise, especially with a lot of people around or many layered sounds.
You can be genetically resistant to ADHD medication if you have ADHD.
This statement is true. You can be genetically resistant to ADHD medication, meaning the medication does not help your ADHD; it might even make your symptoms worse.
Exercise can help with ADHD symptoms.
This statement is true. ADHd symptoms like focus, mood, and executive function can be improved by exercise.
All children with ADHD are loud and disruptive.
This statement is false. Some people may be quiet and inattentive. Some people with ADHD may also have anxiety or other mental health conditions that convince them to stay quiet.
A lot of people with ADHD have other comorbid conditions.
This statement is true. Some people with ADHD can have other conditions that go with it, like Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, Anxiety, Sensory Processing disorder or many other conditions.
ADHD can be genetic.
This statement is true. ADHD is highly genetic. If your parents or close relatives have ADHD, then you are more likely to have it yourself.
People with ADHD are just hyperactive.
This statement is false. People with ADHD can be hyperactive, inattentive, or combined, which is a combination of both of these types.
You can outgrow ADHD.
This statement is false. ADHD symptoms can improve, but you can not outgrow ADHD completely.
ADHD can affect sleep patterns.
This statement is true. Many people with ADHD have trouble with sleep. This is due to the brain's arousal being higher as well as attention, problems with the circadian rhythm, and in some cases, sleep disorders.
Some people with ADHD struggle with executive functioning.
This statement is true; people with ADHD tend to struggle with executive functioning. Executive functioning is the ability to use a skill that helps people organize, plan and and manage the thoughts they have. People with ADHD tend to have a hard time with this.
Everyone is a little ADHD.
This statement is false. Not everyone has ADHD, this is a harmful and ableist comment and annoys many people with ADHD.
People with ADHD can hyperfocus.
This statement is true, people with ADHD have an interesting ability to be super zoned in and concentrated on things, usually things they find interesting.
ADHD is always diagnosed in early childhood.
This statement is false. ADHD is being diagnosed in teens, older adults, and elderly people more frequently because of research improvements. This is why the number of people with ADHD has increased.
ADHD symptoms can change with time.
This statement is true. ADHD symptoms can change over time. Studies show that some people with ADHD have had fluctuating symptoms.