Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very well documented and common medical condition which affects millions of children and adults globally. However, because its exact cause remains a mystery, it gives rise to lots of ADHD myths which have bewildered many parents who have ADHD children.



For instance, there was a recent story about a 5-year-old boy who went missing for two weeks. Neighbors who found him believed that he might be suffering from ADHD. Now, although he showed symptoms of ADHD, his parents never brought him to see a specialist because they believed that children who were hyperactive and slow in learning would be all right when they reach the age of 7.

Is their belief correct? Will children who show classic signs of having ADHD be all right when they reach the age of 7? Generally, experts view it as only a myth. Another belief that kids aged 2 and 8 would be free of ADHD by the time they are 9 or 10 has also been considered to be myths.

To be able to make informed decisions concerning their children's ADHD treatment, parents should get their facts right. Below are scientific facts concerning ADHD.

* Hyperactivity is a common feature among kids with mental-related problems. Such children just could not keep still, even for a few minutes. They are forever on the move. In fact, hyperactivity is a key feature of ADHD, which is one of the most common psychiatric conditions affecting both children and adults today. Individuals who are inflicted with this disorder often experience pronounced behavioral and cognitive difficulties in personal and family relationships. These problems can manifest itself in a significant way, especially when they start going to school.

* ADHD is a neurobiological disorder, and most scientists believe it is due to genetic abnormalities in the brain. ADHDers are very inattentive, hyperactive, and very impulsive too (have poor control over their impulse). Get this - ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, or exposing children to too much television when young.

* This disorder is more commonly seen in boys, but it does affect girls too, roughly in the ratio of 3:1.

* ADHD symptoms appear early in a child's life. Studies have shown that out of every 10 people with ADHD, 3 to 5 of them may outgrow it when they become teenagers. As for the rest, the symptoms will remain throughout their life but often in less severe forms.

* Some of the key problems facing people with ADHD are that they have emotional and behavioral difficulties, which makes treatment of their condition difficult at times.

* Treatment for ADHD children is often best done using a multi-pronged approach. This involves a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and counseling for the affected parents so that they can view things in the right perspective.

* ADHD is a serious medical condition and needs to be treated. It will not just go away. Hence, do not listen to people who proclaim that ADHD is merely a conspiracy by giant pharmaceutical firms out to make money from other people's misery.

From the facts above, it is clear that ADHD can be treated, and the wise thing to do for parents who suspect that their kids may have ADHD is to bring them to see experts (such as child psychiatrists) for a proper diagnosis and treatment.