Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is often misdiagnosed in children, and is sometimes missed altogether in girls.

That’s according to Dr. Janine Hubbard of the Psychology Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

October is ADHD Awareness Month and the association is working on dispelling myths on a disorder that affects roughly five per cent of the population.

Dr. Hubbard says boys often demonstrate the hyperactive side of symptoms, but girls sometimes fall under the radar in a school setting.

She says while boys may capture attention for running around the classroom, girls may be twirling their hair or swinging their legs.

Hubbard says ADHD, which is a spectrum of symptoms related to inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity can be misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

It can be mistaken for anxiety, depression, laziness or a lack of interest.

APNL provided this list, hoping to clarify myths and misperceptions regarding ADHD:

Myth #1: ADHD isn’t a real medical condition

• ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder (insufficient levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine)
• ADHD is the most prevalent childhood psychiatric disorder in Canada
• ADHD conservatively occurs in 4% of adults and 5% of children worldwide
• Scientific studies have shown that ADHD is highly heritable and is a chronic disorder that persists throughout the lifespan

 

Myth #2: All individuals with ADHD present with the same types of symptoms (e.g. they’re all hyperactive)

• There are three presentations of ADHD depending on which of the three core symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity) present:
• Predominately inattentive (previously referred to as ADD)
• Predominately hyperactive (very rare)
• Combined (most prevalent)

 

Myth #3: ADHD is the result of bad parenting

• Structure and routine can assist in managing some challenges in ADHD do not cause the behaviours
• Not due to bad or lazy parenting

 

Myth #4: Individuals with ADHD just need to try harder to pay attention and can’t ever focus

• Asking them to “focus harder” is like asking someone to see better when they’re not wearing their glasses
• Issues with regulating attention, not lack of attention – often difficulties are due to hyperfocusing or difficulty shifting focus

 

Myth #5: Only males have ADHD

• traditionally it was felt that it occurred at a 2:1 rate of boys:girls
• Girls are typically diagnosed later (often adolescence or adulthood)
• More likely to present with inattentive symptoms that can be overlooked
• Often misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety or lack of motivation,
•  lack of diagnosis and intervention may result in development of anxiety/depression
• Highly intelligent girls/women likely to have more delayed diagnosis
• Common symptoms in girls: “Chatty Cathy” – overly talkative, bossy, Daydreamers, Shy, Easily overwhelmed, More subtle physical restlessness (e.g. twirling hair), Social difficulties – trouble fitting in, may not have friends, perceived as immature

 

Myth #6: ADHD is a learning disability

• Key symptoms can interfere with the ability to learn
• A number of learning disabilities co-occur with ADHD (25%-50%) but not caused by the ADHD

 

Myth #7: Kids will outgrow their ADHD

• Eighty percent of children maintain their diagnosis into adolescence and at least 60% remain impaired by symptoms in adulthood
• Symptoms change over time, but they don’t disappear

 

Myth #8: Having ADHD will make someone a poor employee

• Many professions are areas where people with ADHD can excel and pull to their strengths
• Often very creative, able to think outside the box, able to cope with high paced, rapidly changing situations

 

Myth #9: Medication is the only treatment option, and will make a person feel drugged

• Appropriate doses/timing of medication should help sharpen a person’s focus, and increase his or her ability to control impulsive behaviours
• While medication is highly effective, gold standard treatment also includes behaviour interventions and support, and home/school/workplace supports.

 

Myth #10: ADHD is only diagnosed in childhood

• ADHD is not diagnosed prior to the age of 6, although many symptoms may have been present
• Symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12
• Many adults are being assessed/diagnosed as a result of their children receiving a diagnosis (strong genetic factor)
• Many complicated feelings emerge from adult-aged diagnosis including excitement (finally understanding their symptoms and challenges), and grief for opportunities missed, underachievement, underemployment, etc.