If you or someone you love has ADHD, you’ve probably heard at least a few of these myths before. Let’s set the record straight and debunk the top eight myths about ADHD.

Myth #1: ADHD Isn’t Real—It’s Just an Excuse for Laziness

One of the biggest and most harmful misconceptions about ADHD is that it’s not real—that people with ADHD are just making excuses for being disorganised, unmotivated, or lazy. In reality, ADHD is a well-documented neurodevelopmental disorder recognised by medical and psychological professionals worldwide, including the World Health Organisation and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. It is listed in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, which is commonly known as DSM-5.  We know ADHD affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. People with ADHD often work twice as hard just to keep up because their brains are wired differently.

Myth #2: ADHD Only Affects Children

Many people believe ADHD is something children grow out of, but that’s far from the truth. While symptoms often appear in childhood, ADHD is a lifelong condition for most people. Many adults struggle with ADHD symptoms, including difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, impulsivity, and time management issues. The difference is that adults often develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms to some degree, but that doesn’t mean the condition isn’t there. A 2005 study concluded that ADHD can indeed persist into adulthood, causing disruptions to both an individual’s professional and personal life.

Myth #3: Everyone Has a Little ADHD

We’ve all had moments where we feel distracted, forgetful, or impulsive, but that doesn’t mean everyone has ADHD. ADHD is more than just being easily distracted—it’s a chronic condition that affects multiple aspects of life, from school and work to relationships and mental health. Dismissing ADHD as something “everyone has” minimises the challenges of those who live with it every day.

Myth #4: ADHD Only Looks One Way

When people picture ADHD, they often imagine a hyperactive young boy who can’t sit still. But ADHD presents in different ways! There are three types: hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive, and combined. Some people with ADHD are constantly moving, while others struggle with daydreaming and staying organised. Many women and girls, for example, go undiagnosed because their symptoms don’t fit the stereotypical image of ADHD. This means they often end up with concurrent mental health issues such as anxiety and depression because of the delayed intervention and provision of supports.

Myth #5: ADHD Is the Result of Bad Parenting

Some people mistakenly believe that ADHD is caused by bad parenting, assuming that children with ADHD simply lack discipline. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with biological and genetic factors. While a structured and supportive environment can help manage symptoms, ADHD is not something that parents cause.

A 2017 study in the Netherlands found that there were differences in the brain areas responsible for controlling impulse, attention and other cognitive functions between participants with ADHD and non-ADHD participants. Thus, making it clear that parenting style alone cannot ‘cause’ ADHD.

Myth #6: ADHD Is Caused by Too Much Sugar, Gaming, or TV

For many years people have commented that too much sugar, screen time, or video games cause ADHD. While these factors can certainly impact focus and energy levels, they do not cause ADHD. Research has shown that ADHD is a neurological condition with strong genetic links that can be diagnosed from a very early age. Whilst a healthy diet and balanced screen time can benefit everyone, they do not prevent or cause ADHD. Blaming sugar or technology distracts from the real science behind the condition.

Myth #7: ADHD Is Overdiagnosed and Overtreated

Some people believe that ADHD is diagnosed too often and that too many children and adults are being medicated unnecessarily. While it’s true that awareness of ADHD has increased in recent years, this does not mean it is overdiagnosed. In fact, many people—especially women and adults—remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. To obtain a diagnosis of ADHD, an individual must display numerous symptoms, experience substantial difficulties in multiple areas of life—such as work, school, or social relationships—and have these symptoms persist for at least six months. ADHD is a real condition that can significantly impact daily life, and proper diagnosis ensures that individuals receive the support and treatment they need.

Myth #8: Medication is the Only Treatment for ADHD

While medication can be an effective way to manage ADHD symptoms, it’s not the only option. Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, ADHD Coaching and lifestyle changes can all help people with ADHD thrive. A combination of treatments tailored to the individual often works best. The goal isn’t to “cure” ADHD but to help individuals manage their symptoms in a way that allows them to live fulfilling lives.

ADHD is real; it affects people of all ages, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. By debunking these myths, we can create more understanding and support for those with ADHD. The more we learn, the more we can break down stigma and offer the right kind of help to those who need it.

Sources:

https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

https://adhdfoundation.org.au/