What do you think of when you think of ADHD?
If you're like most people, images of sugar-fueled hyperactive and fidgety children or mentally scattered and unproductive adults come to mind.
I had similar misconceptions until I discovered these facts.
Goes beyond children: About 4 percent of American adults over the age of 18 deal with ADHD on a daily basis.
Is not personal failure: ADHD is not caused by moral failure, poor parenting, too much TV, information overload, or excess sugar. Instead, research shows that ADHD is both highly genetic and brain based.
Includes hyperfocus: People with ADHD usually have trouble focusing but if they’re interested in something, they may hyperfocus.
Is a superpower: While ADHD is maligned as a disorder, it has a number of strengths: creativity, innovation, risk-taking, problem-solving, multitasking, and of course hyperfocus.
Shows up in stars: Business mogul Sir Richard Branson, gymnast Simone Biles, and musician Justin Timberlake all have said they have ADHD.
Makes for entrepreneurs: People with ADHD are 300% more likely to start their own company.
Hides through performance: People with higher IQs are often able to hide their symptoms from others (and themselves). They do well enough in school and work in spite of procrastination, inattention, or other challenges.
Impacts relationships: Research showed patients with ADHD and their spouses reported lower levels of marital satisfaction; those with ADHD and their partners should be mindful of communication (like any relationship!).
Coexists with conditions: Comorbidities of ADHD include anxiety, PTSD, and learning differences.
Isn't only treated with meds: Cognitive behavioral therapy, coaching, and therapies involving music, pets, and video games have all been explored.
Is becoming more common: More parents know to seek out help for their children at younger ages and adults can look out for the symptoms themselves, which means ADHD awareness is increasing.
What fact surprised you most?