In an evolving world filled with more technologies, increasing work demands, and additional distractions, it’s no surprise that many adults report frustration or inability to focus. But for adults wrestling with ADHD, maintaining focus is an even more challenging battle compared to those without ADHD. Adults with ADHD often struggle with focus, attention, and controlling behavior, but all hope isn’t lost when it comes to managing adult ADHD in our ever-evolving world. In fact, it starts with debunking the most common misconceptions about ADHD and nixing the negative stereotypes.

MYTH: Everyone with ADHD is lazy.

Symptoms of ADHD may include disinterest, disorganization, or procrastination causing some individuals to accuse adults with ADHD as being lazy. More often than not, adults with ADHD feel less productive and motivated than their counterparts. The truth is individuals with ADHD may want to focus, but find they’re unable to and tend to need more structure and reminders to complete tasks – especially if activities require sustained mental energy. However, this shouldn’t be mistaken for laziness. This mistaken judgement can lead to poor self-esteem and lower confidence levels.  

Rather, adults with ADHD are the opposite of lazy: they put significantly more effort into accomplishing tasks than people without ADHD. 

MYTH: ADHD isn’t that serious. 

ADHD is a disorder – not an excuse for having an inability to focus. Research shows that certain regions of the brain don’t synchronize properly in people with ADHD. Thus, their overall brain structure is different than people who do not have ADHD.   

While ADHD isn’t life-threatening, this condition can have implications on someone’s life such as a greater amount of stress, anxiety and even substance abuse. Often adults with ADHD feel continual frustration due to implications such as the inability to focus, leading to chronic difficulties with work and relationships. 

MYTH: Hyperactivity is always a symptom of ADHD.

There are actually a few types of ADHD including 1) predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, 2) predominantly inattentive, 3) combined. The predominantly inattentive type is referred to as ADD as hyperactive behaviors occur in the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type. 

While ADHD cannot be cured, the symptoms can be managed successfully, especially through behavioral treatments such as therapy, social skills, and lifestyle changes. To learn more about how you can manage adult ADHD, improve your relationships, manage work challenges, and more, join us for our 6-week bi-weekly ADHD group therapy session beginning March 30, 2021. Contact us for details.