Facts about ADHD

1. It is a real neurodevelopmental condition.

ADHD is recognized by medical and psychological organizations worldwide, including the DSM-5 and WHO’s ICD-11.

2. It affects both children and adults.

ADHD often persists into adulthood, though symptoms can present differently at different life stages.

3. It involves more than just hyperactivity.

ADHD has three types: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Symptoms vary from person to person.

4. It is not caused by poor parenting.

ADHD is largely influenced by genetics and neurological differences, not parenting styles or discipline.

5. Executive functioning is impacted.

People with ADHD often struggle with organization, time management, and task initiation due to differences in brain structure and function.

6. Medication isn’t a “cure.”

Stimulant medications help many people manage symptoms, but they are just one part of treatment, alongside therapy, coaching, and strategies.

Here are additional facts about ADHD to expand on what we’ve already discussed:

7. ADHD can be inherited.

Research suggests that ADHD tends to run in families, with genetics playing a significant role in its development. If a parent has ADHD, their child is more likely to have it as well.

8. It can affect sleep patterns.

People with ADHD often experience disrupted sleep, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can exacerbate symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity.

9. ADHD is a brain disorder

It is not about bad behavior, but rather about brain function differences that affect attention, focus, and impulse control. It is a neurological condition, not a moral failing.

10. People with ADHD may have co-existing conditions.

It’s common for individuals with ADHD to have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or oppositional defiant disorder.

11. ADHD is often underdiagnosed in women and girls.

Women and girls with ADHD often have less overt hyperactivity and more internalized symptoms (such as distractibility or daydreaming), which can lead to misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis.

12. Medication is not the only treatment option.

While medications such as stimulants are commonly prescribed, non-medical treatments, like therapy, ADHD coaching, mindfulness practices, and organizational strategies, can also be very effective.

13. ADHD affects both academic and workplace performance.

Challenges with time management, organization, and focus can impact academic success and job performance, making accommodations in both settings crucial for success.

14. ADHD is found in all phases of the lifespan

Though diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can persist into adulthood. Adults with ADHD often struggle with organization, maintaining relationships, and managing daily tasks, but can also excel in creative and innovative fields.

15. ADHD symptoms vary from person to person.

The way ADHD manifests can differ widely between individuals. Some may struggle more with inattention, while others may experience more impulsivity or hyperactivity, and many may exhibit a combination of these traits.

16. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.

Identifying and addressing ADHD early can help individuals develop strategies to manage their symptoms, leading to better outcomes in education, career, and personal life.

17. ADHD can increase creativity and innovation.

Many individuals with ADHD are highly creative and excel in areas that require out-of-the-box thinking, such as art, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving.

18. ADHD is not linked to low intelligence.

ADHD affects focus, organization, and self-regulation but does not impact a person’s intelligence. Many individuals with ADHD are highly intelligent and capable in many fields.

19. ADHD can be managed with the right strategies.

While there is no “cure” for ADHD, individuals with ADHD can lead successful, fulfilling lives by using strategies that align with their unique brain wiring, including time management tools, behavioral interventions, and personalized coping techniques.