If you’ve ever heard someone say “ADHD is just an excuse” or “kids grow out of it,” you’ve encountered some of the many myths surrounding this condition. That’s why we’ve put together this essential list of ADHD myth busters—to separate fact from fiction. With more children and adults being diagnosed each year, understanding what ADHD really is has never been more important. These ADHD myth busters will help you challenge stigma, support your loved ones, and see the condition through a more informed lens. Written by Dr Maraschin, expert Paediatrician.
Mention the word ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) around the table at a family gathering, and you’re likely to hear many, many opinions about the existence and treatment of the condition. This is certainly to the dismay of many academics. Over the last couple of decades, a significant amount of misinformation has been circulated. As a result, many people have become sceptical about the existence of ADHD — and even more so about its medical management.
With all this misinformation, parents who find themselves with a child struggling with inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity often feel completely overwhelmed as they try to figure out what they should be focusing on to help their child.
I always feel that understanding what we are talking about is a good place to start. Let’s define ADHD, tackle a few common myths, and provide some tangible facts.
What is the academic definition of ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent condition caused by neurobiological variations in the brain. These variations disrupt brain development, making children with ADHD more likely to demonstrate inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, distractibility, disorganisation, and poor concentration.
It is a common condition encountered in child and adolescent psychiatry, affecting between 5% and 10% of South African children. Sadly, a more recent study indicated that ADHD-related symptoms may affect as many as 25% of South African children.
It is important to understand that a child with ADHD tries extremely hard to concentrate and manage their impulses — but this is almost impossible. A child making all this effort but still finding themselves in trouble for interrupting, being disruptive, and performing poorly academically is likely to become extremely anxious and even depressed.
ALSO READ: Decoding ADHD: What it is, how to diagnose it & how to treat it
Myths Surrounding ADHD
As mentioned in the introduction, there are many misconceptions surrounding ADHD. In fact, there are so many that in 2021, the World Federation of ADHD released a statement addressing 208 misconceptions and offering evidence-based conclusions on the disorder. (Source)
I’m not going to cover all 208 myths — but here are eight of the big ones.
1. ADHD isn’t a real medical condition
This is a dangerous myth for two reasons. Firstly, it implies the sufferer has control over the condition, and secondly, that there are no medical techniques to diagnose or treat ADHD.
Truth: ADHD has a hereditary component, with one in four children having a parent who has it. Technically, it is coded on specific chromosomes. In certain cases, brain imaging techniques reveal distinct variations in brain development between children with and without ADHD.
Diagnosis should only be made by a psychiatrist, neurologist, or paediatrician trained in this field. It involves a clinical examination (to rule out other conditions) and psychological assessments (including observer reports, developmental and psychiatric history).
A proper ADHD diagnosis meets the criteria for validity as a mental disorder, and well-trained doctors across various settings and cultures agree on the defined diagnostic criteria.
2. ADHD is caused by bad parenting
What a heavy burden to place on a parent. This cruel myth implies that parents are to blame, and that with the “right” discipline, the condition would disappear.
Truth: ADHD stems from differences in brain development — not discipline styles or parenting methods. That said, parents can be taught strategies to help children manage symptoms. Behavioural Parent Training (BPT) is one of the most effective methods.
3. We never had children with ADHD “in our day”
A common comment made by well-meaning grannies or those with little understanding of ADHD.
Truth: ADHD has been described for centuries. While it may not have been called ADHD, historical reports describe symptoms consistent with the disorder. In 1775, a German physician, Melchior Weikman, published the first textbook description of what we now recognise as ADHD. This is not a “new” disorder.
4. ADHD medications lead to drug abuse
Many parents fear that stimulant medications are “gateway drugs” that increase the likelihood of future addiction.
Truth: Untreated ADHD can have a major impact on a child’s future. Children with ADHD are more likely to experience learning difficulties, poor self-esteem, peer rejection, aggression, risky behaviour and injuries. These challenges — not the medication — are linked to substance abuse.
Research shows that ADHD sufferers are three times more likely to be nicotine-dependent and 50% more likely to develop substance use habits. It’s the disorder, not the treatment, that increases the risk. Treatment actually reduces the risk of substance abuse by helping children manage symptoms.
5. ADHD is a learning difficulty
This myth suggests that with the right remedial intervention, a child can “recover”.
Truth: ADHD is not a learning disability — it’s a psychiatric condition. However, ADHD symptoms often interfere with learning. Children may struggle with instruction, staying on task, and managing time. While ADHD is separate from learning disabilities like dyslexia or dyscalculia, the conditions can co-exist.
6. Only boys suffer from ADHD
This always makes me think of the old rhyme: “Little girls are made of sugar and spice…”
Truth: ADHD is diagnosed more often in boys — but not because it only affects boys. Boys tend to show more outwardly disruptive behaviours, while girls are more likely to be inattentive, daydreamy, or quietly distracted. As a result, girls are often underdiagnosed.
7. Children outgrow ADHD
“He’s just being a boy,” or “she’s just a dreamer” — sound familiar?
Truth: ADHD is a psychiatric condition. Symptoms may diminish over time, but this is usually due to the development of coping strategies. With support and treatment, many children learn to manage their symptoms better — but that doesn’t mean they have outgrown the disorder.
8. Children with ADHD can’t focus on anything
Parents often say, “But he can play video games for hours!”
Truth: Children with ADHD can concentrate — if the activity is stimulating or highly rewarding. The difficulty lies in directing attention to less exciting, but necessary tasks, like schoolwork. These children may become hyper-focused on one activity, to the exclusion of everything else.
CHECK OUT: ADHD Brain vs ‘Normal’ Brain: Key Differences Explained
Conclusion
I’ve chosen to focus on just 8 of the 208 myths surrounding ADHD for one reason: these myths hurt the very children we’re trying to help. They increase stigma, undermine medical professionals, and delay or prevent treatment. And the impact on families and children can be devastating.
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