Misconceptions About ADHD Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is a common misconception about ADHD?
ADHD is less serious than other mental health conditions
Many people, including health professionals, often underestimate the seriousness of ADHD.
Why is information about ADHD often outdated?
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This lag in information dissemination can lead to misconceptions and outdated beliefs about ADHD.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 do comedic media portrayals affect perceptions of ADHD?
They reinforce the notion that ADHD is a funny quirk
Such portrayals contribute to the misunderstanding of ADHD as a serious condition.
What do dismissive attitudes toward ADHD often stem from?
The belief that everyone experiences ADHD symptoms sometimes
This belief can lead to trivialization of ADHD’s impact on individuals.
What role do family dynamics play in ADHD?
ADHD runs in families, leading to potential undiagnosed cases among relatives
This familial connection can influence perceptions and understanding of the condition.
Fill in the blank: ADHD is incredibly ________ by those who have it and by many professionals who treat it.
misunderstood
True or False: Health professionals are frequently well-educated about ADHD.
False
Many health professionals aren’t taught much about ADHD, contributing to misunderstandings.
What is a common misconception about ADHD based on its name?
The name ‘attention deficit’ implies a lack of attention, which is misleading.
Does ADHD involve a total lack of attention?
No, individuals with ADHD can focus well on engaging activities.
What are the three presentations of ADHD?
- Primarily inattentive (ADHD-PI)
- Primarily hyperactive/impulsive (ADHD-HI)
- Combined type (ADHD-C)
Can a person with ADHD be diagnosed without showing hyperactive symptoms?
Yes, particularly for the primarily inattentive presentation.
What is a common reason people may not seek an ADHD diagnosis?
They believe they cannot have ADHD if they can focus sometimes.
What is verbal hyperactivity?
A form of hyperactivity where individuals may speak quickly or excessively, often seen in girls and women.
True or False: Most people with ADHD qualify for the combined type.
True
Fill in the blank: ADHD can also manifest as a child staring ______ out a window.
dreamily
How can presentations of ADHD change over time?
Individuals may show different symptoms or intensities of symptoms as they age.
What are some activities that individuals with ADHD can focus on intensely?
- Hobbies
- Crushes
- Video games
What can lead to missed diagnoses of ADHD?
The belief that individuals must look hyperactive to have ADHD.
How does physical hyperactivity often evolve in adults?
It often evolves into mental restlessness.
What is ADHD classified as?
A neurodevelopmental disorder
ADHD is a neurological issue, not merely behavioral.
What contributes to the behavioral differences seen in individuals with ADHD?
Fundamental differences in brain development and structure
These differences result in behaviors that often require different strategies than those used for neurotypical individuals.
Why are punishment strategies less effective for children with ADHD?
Punishment does not address motivational deficits inherent to ADHD
Immediate positive feedback and salient rewards are more effective.
How does ADHD impact life outcomes?
ADHD is associated with a higher likelihood of divorce, being fired, and car accidents
Untreated ADHD can lead to worse life outcomes on average.
What is the average reduction in life expectancy for individuals with ADHD?
12.7 years
Research by Dr. Russell Barkley shows a significant negative impact of ADHD on life expectancy.