What is Parents/?
It is believed that ADHD is a highly genetic disorder. Approximately 35 percent of parents of children with ADHD have the disorder themselves. It's also not uncommon to discover that other people in the family (siblings, aunts, and/or uncles) also have ADHD. Interestingly, many parents only come to learn about their own ADHD once their child has been diagnosed. This may explain a lifetime of frustrations and prompt them to get help. (adhd, 2007)
Fiction vs. Facts
parents_facts_adhd_genetic.jsp
It is believed that ADHD is a highly genetic disorder. Approximately 35 percent of parents of children with ADHD have the disorder themselves. It's also not uncommon to discover that other people in the family (siblings, aunts, and/or uncles) also have ADHD. Interestingly, many parents only come to learn about their own ADHD once their child has been diagnosed. This may explain a lifetime of frustrations and prompt them to get help. (adhd, 2007)
Fiction vs. Facts
FICTION:
All children with ADHD eventually "outgrow" it.
FACT:
About 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms as adults.
FICTION:
ADHD is not a medical condition.
FACT:
It is a medical condition, linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is officially recognized by leading medical experts and institutions, including the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Psychiatric Association, and others.
FICTION:
Bad parenting is responsible for ADHD.
FACT:
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that scientists are finding more and more evidence that ADHD does not stem from home environment, but from biological causes.
FICTION:
People with ADHD always have problems paying attention.
FACT:
Sometimes people with ADHD hyper-focus. They focus on one thing and ignore all else around them.
FICTION:
ADHD affects more males than females.
FACT:
As children, the male to female ratio is 4:1, as females are often underdiagnosed. Among adults, almost as many women as men seek treatment.
FICTION:
ADHD can only be treated with medications.
FACT:
The NIMH Multimodal Treatment Study for Children with ADHD (MTA Study) studied nearly 600 elementary school children and concluded that the most effective treatments were a closely monitored medication treatment and a treatment that combines behavioral therapy and medication.
See
parents_facts_adhd_facts.jsp
FICTION:
All children with ADHD eventually "outgrow" it.
FACT:
About 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms as adults.
FICTION:
ADHD is not a medical condition.
FACT:
It is a medical condition, linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is officially recognized by leading medical experts and institutions, including the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Psychiatric Association, and others.
FICTION:
Bad parenting is responsible for ADHD.
FACT:
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that scientists are finding more and more evidence that ADHD does not stem from home environment, but from biological causes.
FICTION:
People with ADHD always have problems paying attention.
FACT:
Sometimes people with ADHD hyper-focus. They focus on one thing and ignore all else around them.
FICTION:
ADHD affects more males than females.
FACT:
As children, the male to female ratio is 4:1, as females are often underdiagnosed. Among adults, almost as many women as men seek treatment.
FICTION:
ADHD can only be treated with medications.
FACT:
The NIMH Multimodal Treatment Study for Children with ADHD (MTA Study) studied nearly 600 elementary school children and concluded that the most effective treatments were a closely monitored medication treatment and a treatment that combines behavioral therapy and medication.
See
