Misconceptions About ADHD Flashcards

(50 cards)

1
Q

What is a common misconception about ADHD?

A

ADHD is less serious than other mental health conditions

Many people, including health professionals, often underestimate the seriousness of ADHD.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Why is information about ADHD often outdated?

A

Research and publishing peer-reviewed papers takes time, and it takes longer for new information to reach practitioners

This lag in information dissemination can lead to misconceptions and outdated beliefs about ADHD.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How do comedic media portrayals affect perceptions of ADHD?

A

They reinforce the notion that ADHD is a funny quirk

Such portrayals contribute to the misunderstanding of ADHD as a serious condition.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What do dismissive attitudes toward ADHD often stem from?

A

The belief that everyone experiences ADHD symptoms sometimes

This belief can lead to trivialization of ADHD’s impact on individuals.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What role do family dynamics play in ADHD?

A

ADHD runs in families, leading to potential undiagnosed cases among relatives

This familial connection can influence perceptions and understanding of the condition.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Fill in the blank: ADHD is incredibly ________ by those who have it and by many professionals who treat it.

A

misunderstood

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

True or False: Health professionals are frequently well-educated about ADHD.

A

False

Many health professionals aren’t taught much about ADHD, contributing to misunderstandings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is a common misconception about ADHD based on its name?

A

The name ‘attention deficit’ implies a lack of attention, which is misleading.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Does ADHD involve a total lack of attention?

A

No, individuals with ADHD can focus well on engaging activities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the three presentations of ADHD?

A
  • Primarily inattentive (ADHD-PI)
  • Primarily hyperactive/impulsive (ADHD-HI)
  • Combined type (ADHD-C)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Can a person with ADHD be diagnosed without showing hyperactive symptoms?

A

Yes, particularly for the primarily inattentive presentation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is a common reason people may not seek an ADHD diagnosis?

A

They believe they cannot have ADHD if they can focus sometimes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is verbal hyperactivity?

A

A form of hyperactivity where individuals may speak quickly or excessively, often seen in girls and women.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

True or False: Most people with ADHD qualify for the combined type.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Fill in the blank: ADHD can also manifest as a child staring ______ out a window.

A

dreamily

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

How can presentations of ADHD change over time?

A

Individuals may show different symptoms or intensities of symptoms as they age.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are some activities that individuals with ADHD can focus on intensely?

A
  • Hobbies
  • Crushes
  • Video games
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What can lead to missed diagnoses of ADHD?

A

The belief that individuals must look hyperactive to have ADHD.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How does physical hyperactivity often evolve in adults?

A

It often evolves into mental restlessness.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is ADHD classified as?

A

A neurodevelopmental disorder

ADHD is a neurological issue, not merely behavioral.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What contributes to the behavioral differences seen in individuals with ADHD?

A

Fundamental differences in brain development and structure

These differences result in behaviors that often require different strategies than those used for neurotypical individuals.

22
Q

Why are punishment strategies less effective for children with ADHD?

A

Punishment does not address motivational deficits inherent to ADHD

Immediate positive feedback and salient rewards are more effective.

23
Q

How does ADHD impact life outcomes?

A

ADHD is associated with a higher likelihood of divorce, being fired, and car accidents

Untreated ADHD can lead to worse life outcomes on average.

24
Q

What is the average reduction in life expectancy for individuals with ADHD?

A

12.7 years

Research by Dr. Russell Barkley shows a significant negative impact of ADHD on life expectancy.

25
What factors can worsen outcomes for individuals with ADHD?
Gender, race, socioeconomic status, and coexisting mental health conditions ## Footnote Many of these factors are also more common in individuals with ADHD.
26
What is a common misconception about ADHD?
That it is just a cute quirk ## Footnote ADHD is a serious condition that affects multiple aspects of life.
27
What do doctors typically ask regarding ADHD treatment?
If stimulant medication is working and if there are any negative side effects ## Footnote This reflects a common approach to ADHD management.
28
Fill in the blank: There is no magical ______ that will solve all of your ADHD woes.
rainbow unicorn tool ## Footnote This highlights the complexity of treating ADHD.
29
What is often misunderstood by outsiders regarding ADHD children's behavior?
They often need support rather than discipline ## Footnote Misbehavior can be misinterpreted due to the nature of ADHD.
30
What stigma surrounds ADHD?
Misunderstandings and misconceptions about ADHD ## Footnote Many ADHDers feel uncomfortable disclosing their diagnosis due to stigma, leading to discrimination from employers, professors, and even medical professionals.
31
What percentage of the population is estimated to have ADHD?
Between 3 and 8 percent ## Footnote This statistic varies depending on the study.
32
Why do many parents avoid getting their children evaluated for ADHD?
Fear of the implications of a 'label' ## Footnote Parents may not disclose their child's diagnosis due to concerns about stigma.
33
What negative impact does stigma have on ADHD treatment?
Prejudice and discrimination against those taking medications ## Footnote ADHDers may feel the need to hide their medication use, even from close family.
34
True or False: ADHDers are often held to the same expectations as neurotypical peers.
True ## Footnote ADHDers are punished for not meeting these expectations, regardless of impairment or treatment.
35
What are some coping mechanisms ADHDers develop due to societal expectations?
Masking behaviors, overeating, and forced stillness ## Footnote These behaviors can lead to exhaustion and emotional distress.
36
Fill in the blank: ADHDers often clean their house in a whirlwind of panic when ___________.
[someone is coming over] ## Footnote This can lead to misplaced items after the guests leave.
37
What mental health conditions can ADHDers develop as a result of their struggles?
Anxiety, depression, or both ## Footnote These conditions can further mask the symptoms of ADHD.
38
What is a common behavior ADHDers exhibit when trying to meet deadlines?
Pulling all-nighters ## Footnote This often results in them sleeping through the class where assignments are due.
39
How do ADHDers often recharge after masking their behaviors in public?
By melting down, feeling exhausted, or scrolling through social media ## Footnote These actions are often a response to the effort of suppressing their ADHD behaviors.
40
What accusation do parents of children with ADHD face regarding medication?
They are accused of 'drugging' their children into compliance ## Footnote This accusation can come from various sources including online and in-person interactions.
41
What is often misunderstood about the struggles of individuals with ADHD?
Their struggles are often seen as normal challenges, while the extent of their difficulties remains hidden. ## Footnote The visible behaviors of individuals with ADHD are just the tip of the iceberg, masking deeper issues.
42
What might people with ADHD appear to be on the surface?
Self-sufficient, high-achieving individuals. ## Footnote For example, an ADHD student may make the Dean's Honor Roll while struggling privately.
43
What are some behaviors that might indicate an underlying struggle with ADHD?
* Eating unhealthy food (e.g., lemon cookies for lunch) * Making poor academic choices (e.g., signing up for non-beneficial classes) * Choosing relationships based on assistance with tasks (e.g., math homework) ## Footnote These behaviors can be indicative of the efforts made to cope with ADHD.
44
Can individuals with ADHD achieve success?
Yes, individuals with ADHD can be highly successful, including in fields like entertainment, medicine, and business. ## Footnote Success does not negate the presence of ADHD or its impairments.
45
What can be the impact of not having appropriate support for individuals with ADHD?
It can lead to significant personal cost, burnout, and increased difficulty in completing tasks. ## Footnote Individuals may struggle against criticism and shame, affecting their overall well-being.
46
How can ADHD feel for those with adequate support?
It can feel like a superpower, allowing for creativity and hyper-focus. ## Footnote Support can enable individuals to thrive rather than just survive.
47
What did Shawn T. learn about ADHD after diagnosis?
The diagnosis provided a wealth of knowledge about their struggles and a sense of solidarity with other ADHD individuals. ## Footnote This understanding has been empowering and beneficial.
48
Fill in the blank: The effort to meet neurotypical expectations for those with ADHD often appears ______.
okay ## Footnote This perception can be misleading, as the effort is often immense.
49
True or False: Success in life for individuals with ADHD means they do not experience impairments.
False ## Footnote Success can coexist with significant challenges related to ADHD.
50
What is one of the emotional costs faced by individuals with ADHD without support?
Defending against criticism and shame from family and friends. ## Footnote This emotional toll can be significant and detrimental.