Trigger Warning: this article discusses ADHD as a disorder.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, more commonly referred to as ADHD, is the most common behavioral disorder found in children. The estimated number of children diagnosed with ADHD, according to a national U.S. survey, is 6.1 million with 4 million of them aged between 6 and 11 years.
Symptoms and Causes
ADHD is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. It includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. In simple terms, it is a condition that affects your self-control and ability to sit still. Its symptoms vary in children and may include self-focused behavior, interrupting, trouble waiting their turn, emotional turmoil, fidgeting, and problems playing quietly. Symptoms in adulthood can range from impulsiveness, disorganization, poor time management skills, trouble multitasking, hot temper, excessive activity, or restlessness and problems completing tasks fully.
It is important to realize that some of these symptoms may be typical of children or adults but, when they occur persistently and are continually disrupting your life, then one should seek professional help. Scientists are not sure what specifically causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes have a large impact. It is likely that a combination of genetics and environmental factors contribute to ADHD.
Misconceptions in Society
Similar to any other condition, ADHD has many misconceptions in society. The most frequent misconception is that people with ADHD “just need to try harder” and that it is “not even a real medical condition.” This appalling, yet very common misconception, is not based on facts. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Psychiatrist Association (APA) both recognize ADHD as a serious medical condition that affects millions of children and adults. They also recognize that ADHD is not a problem of motivation or laziness. In fact, people with ADHD are trying as hard as they can to pay attention. The reason they struggle to pay attention has nothing to do with their attitude; it is due to the differences in the way their brain functions and how it is structured.
This prominent issue regarding the misconception of ADHD is prevalent in the Middle East. Many of our parents and grandparents grew up in cultures where mental health issues were never recognized or made aware of. They were simply dismissed and unspoken of. Therefore, it is easy for them to mistakenly assume that someone with ADHD is “just lazy” and “will outgrow it soon” since they lack the appropriate knowledge that most children never just simply “outgrow” ADHD. Despite the fact that symptoms may change as children with ADHD grow older, most people continue to have ADHD during their adulthood.
How can you mindful of those around you?
Know the facts. This is the most significant approach we can take to dismissing these misconceptions. Reading a few reliable articles about the most common mental health problems can easily change your whole perspective on mental health awareness and can provide you with the necessary factual information to be fully aware of your attitudes towards others struggling with mental health and to educate your friends and family. Simply having enough information to be aware of the issues regarding mental health can help you support your loved ones by educating them and ultimately diminishing any stigmas they may have regarding mental health.
If you are ever experiencing symptoms of ADHD or know someone that is experiencing symptoms, please make sure to speak to a trusted adult and seek professional help.