Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: “ADHD is the result of excessive news consumption,” “ADHD doesn’t exist,” or “ADHD is merely a pharmaceutical industry invention”—such statements are becoming more and more common. But which of them are false, and which contain a grain of truth? Let’s find out what science has to say
Myth 1: ADHD doesn’t exist
ADHD has been a widely recognized disorder for many years. Over this time, numerous studies have been conducted to explore its possible causes, and each week about 15-20 new studies are added.
What does science say?
ADHD is a mental health disorder recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). All health authorities and major medical associations in the United States now acknowledge ADHD as a distinct condition. Over the past 30 years, the scientific understanding of the disorder has significantly expanded. Many links have been clearly established, such as the importance of specific neurotransmitters or the effectiveness of proven treatment systems. Other areas, like the role of environmental factors, are still being studied.
Myth 2: ADHD is a pharmaceutical industry invention
It is true that the pharmaceutical industry profits from medications, including those for ADHD. However, drug manufacturers do not influence whether a disorder is included in diagnostic classification systems (e.g., ICD, DSM).
What does science say?
In the last decade, the number of people diagnosed with ADHD has significantly increased. However, this does not mean that ADHD has become more common. Rather, society is becoming more aware of it and therefore more likely to recognize it. Descriptions of ADHD have been found in scientific literature for over 200 years, although under different names. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, approximately 7 million (11.4%) children aged 3 to 17 in the U.S. had been diagnosed with ADHD. Globally, ADHD prevalence among children is about 5–10%.
Myth 3: ADHD goes away on its own
For a long time, ADHD was thought to be a childhood disorder that “disappears” on its own. However, ADHD is a lifelong condition that does not simply vanish.
What does science say?
Earlier, doctors and researchers believed that ADHD would go away during puberty. However, current studies show that ADHD is not only a childhood disorder, but around 50% of people continue to experience it into adulthood. The prevalence of ADHD among adults is 2.5-3.5%.
Interestingly, the primary symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity) can change with age. For instance, the urge to move (“fidgeting”) that is prominent in childhood often gives way to internal restlessness in adulthood. Over time, many people develop strategies to better manage their symptoms in daily life.
Myth 4: ADHD is caused by excessive news consumption
Excessive media consumption does not cause ADHD. However, uncontrolled media use can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and even lead to addiction.
What does science say?
Meta-analyses show that ADHD is associated with high levels of media addiction, and vice versa, media addiction is linked to high levels of ADHD. This does not imply a causal relationship, but the two often coexist and can intensify one another.
Myth 5: ADHD cannot be accurately diagnosed
It is true that ADHD cannot be diagnosed through a blood test or other “quick tests.” Competent specialists conduct specific observations and psychological tests.
What does science say?
ADHD diagnosis involves thorough examinations, including detailed patient interviews (history), clinical observation, and behavioral assessments. Other conditions are ruled out during the evaluation. In modern times, doctors typically use auxiliary diagnostic tools that help significantly reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis.
Myth 6: ADHD is often overdiagnosed, which causes discomfort in daily life
As mentioned earlier, ADHD is not diagnosed lightly. Thorough examinations are conducted first. If ADHD is present, the diagnosis often comes as a relief, as patients and their families finally understand what’s “wrong.”
What does science say?
People exhibit different behaviors, and some might suggest ADHD. However, not everyone who constantly “fidgets,” loses their keys, or struggles to focus has ADHD. Doctors pay attention to how potential ADHD symptoms affect daily life and their persistence (so-called persistence). How much discomfort does the person or their environment experience due to their behavior? How disruptive are the symptoms in the long term? In cases of high discomfort, the diagnosis is often not stigmatizing but rather a relief.
Myth 7: ADHD is solely a parenting problem or an excuse for poor parenting
Almost all parents make mistakes—this is completely normal. However, ADHD is by no means a parental problem, even though it might sometimes appear that way to an outsider.
What does science say?
Parenting issues occur in almost every family. If a family member has ADHD, it frequently exacerbates the problem. ADHD is largely genetic (about 80%), which means both children and at least one parent are often affected. Parenting issues and ADHD symptoms can reinforce each other, but are not causally linked.
Myth 8: ADHD is caused by poor diet
Sugar, sweeteners, phosphates, and more have been blamed for ADHD. However, no study has definitively proven that ADHD is caused by poor diet.
What does science say?
Certain food ingredients have been discussed as ADHD triggers, but no scientific evidence has confirmed this. Numerous studies have shown that high sugar intake does not influence ADHD.
Myth 9: ADHD is caused by social environment
ADHD symptoms can worsen due to problems in a person’s environment (e.g., parental inability to discipline, poor social conditions), but this does not lead to the development of the disorder.
What does science say?
Today, we know that ADHD is primarily genetic. However, environmental factors and comorbid conditions can worsen symptoms. Conversely, although changing environmental factors may alleviate some ADHD symptoms, it does not affect ADHD itself in the long term.
Myth 10: People with ADHD just need more outdoor activities
Exercise can help reduce internal restlessness and boredom, but sports alone are not sufficient as the sole therapy.
What does science say?
Physical activity is crucial for people with ADHD because it requires intense concentration. While exercise can alleviate ADHD symptoms to some extent, it cannot treat the underlying causes of ADHD and is not a standalone therapy.
Myth 11: ADHD can be treated with psychotherapy alone
Psychotherapy alone is often insufficient. Advice and recommendations from a therapist or coach can only be applied once the brain’s dopamine deficiency has been addressed with medication.
What does science say?
ADHD treatment should always consist of several components. Parent training, self-instructions, and mindfulness exercises are essential parts of treatment. However, large meta-analyses have shown that behavioral therapy alone does not have a lasting impact on core ADHD symptoms. Medication is also an important component of therapy.
Myth 12: ADHD can be treated with light recreational drugs
This is a misconception. Many people with ADHD believe that substances like alcohol or marijuana reduce their internal tension and make them calmer. However, this abuse can quickly lead to addiction.
What does science say?
To cope with internal restlessness, many people with ADHD use legal and illegal drugs. These substances often increase dopamine levels in the brain, temporarily compensating for the dopamine deficiency characteristic of ADHD. However, substance abuse can lead to significant side effects and mask the real ADHD problem. Moreover, addiction may develop, requiring treatment.
Myth 13: Psychotropic drugs are dangerous
Psychotropic drugs affect certain metabolic processes in the brain. Like any medication, they can have side effects. However, many disorders, including ADHD, can only be treated with psychotropic medications because they address the dopamine imbalance in the brain.
What does science say?
The introduction of psychotropic drugs revolutionized the treatment of mental disorders. However, they are often associated with addiction. While any substance can be dangerous if abused, this applies to all medications, including ADHD treatments, as well as stimulants like alcohol and tobacco.
Myth 14: ADHD medications make people lethargic
ADHD medications normalize the brain’s metabolism, allowing patients to better control their movement, impulsivity, and attention.
What does science say?
The idea that ADHD patients become lethargic due to medication is false. Medication helps compensate for dopamine deficiency in the brain, restoring control over behavior. Consequently, restlessness or impulsivity can be better managed, and patients may appear calmer.
