“You’re so ADHD!” – a common phrase that most of us have heard at some point (at least in the 90s before it became less PC). But it’s more than just a label. The image that pops into your mind after hearing this diagnosis is usually one of a rambunctious child who can’t sit still or focus productively. But that’s just part of the larger picture of how ADHD manifests in people.
There is a pretty good chance that you know someone who has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as it affects 3-7% of school-aged children. It is important to have a clear understanding of it as extensive research has shown that ADHD persists in adulthood and if left untreated, it can complicate daily life in small, irritating ways.
October has been deemed ADHD Awareness Month, so here are 15 interesting facts about ADHD and how it affects those diagnosed so you have a better understanding of this common condition.
1. ADHD is More Than Just Energy
Hyperactivity is a common part of ADHD, but there’s a lot more to it. ADHD affects everyone differently and can show up as trouble focusing, being impulsive, or having a hard time staying organized. People with ADHD might struggle to pay attention or follow instructions, leading to misunderstandings and frustration.
Public figures like Channing Tautum and Adam Levine have openly discussed their ADHD experiences, paving the way for more open conversations.
2. ADHD and Intelligence: A Misconception
A common misconception about people with ADHD is that they’re less intelligent because their brains don’t work in a neurotypical way. However, ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence and everything to do with how information is taught and distributed. Sometimes people just need a little bit of special accommodation in learning environments.
A 2016 study found that adults with ADHD performed better on tasks that require executive functions. Look closely around you, many people living with ADHD are successful in their careers, be it academia, the media industry, banking, or the arts.
3. TV and Sugar are not the Root Cause of ADHD
Another myth that circulates around is that screen time and sugar are the main causes of ADHD. Although it may worsen the disorder’s symptoms, they are certainly not the root of the problem. There is plenty of research that shows ADHD has a strong genetic link, meaning it’s usually passed down through families.
A study published in 2022 found that children with ADHD were more likely to have high-sugar diets than those without ADHD, probably due to their dopamine-seeking tendencies. However, it doesn’t support the claim that excessive TV and sugar consumption leads to ADHD.
4. Forgetfulness is a Common ADHD Challenge
People with ADHD do not have issues with long-term memory, but their short-term memory is impaired. Such people need more brain power to remember current events, new people’s names, or simply where they put their car keys down.
In 2012, a Clinical Psychology review found that children with ADHD have significantly larger memory problems as compared to those who are neurotypical. By understanding the complexities of ADHD sufferers, we can help create a more inclusive and accepting society.
5. ADHD Has Subtypes
ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all kind of condition but rather a spectrum with broad multiple subtypes, and the diagnosis of each depends upon the symptoms in the individual.
The first subtype is impulsivity, which includes blurting out inappropriate things, interrupting others, and being impatient to speak. The second one is hyperactivity; as the name suggests, these individuals exhibit excessive levels of energy and struggle to engage in quiet activities. The last one is attentiveness, which includes symptoms such as difficulty listening, being easily distracted, struggling with organization, and avoiding activities that require focus.
6. It’s More Common in Males than Females
Over the years, many researchers have suggested that ADHD is up to three times more common in males than females. It is often said that ADHD normally goes undiagnosed in girls as compared to boys because the classic symptoms manifest differently in both genders.
Females normally show internalizing symptoms like anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal. Additionally, girls are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of ADHD, which can be harder to recognize because they may not be as disruptive as boys with the hyperactive-impulsive subtype.
These differences in symptoms and subtypes can make it more challenging to identify ADHD in girls during childhood. It’s important to be aware of these variations and to consider a broader range of symptoms when evaluating girls for ADHD.
7. Medication is Not Always the Best Solution for ADHD
While medications are a helpful way to manage the symptoms of ADHD, they don’t offer a total cure. Adults with ADHD require additional support to manage their symptoms and navigate through the challenges.
Such people require extra attention and emotional support to stay organized and prioritize their daily tasks effectively. Adults with this condition have to carry the weight of being treated like they’re capable of less, which affects their mental health and can result in low self-esteem and anxiety issues. ADHD treatment requires a comprehensive combination of both medication and emotional support to manage symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
8. ADHD and Healthy Routine is a Constant Battle
People with this disorder often face challenges with sleeping, exercising, and eating in a consistent routine. Research shows that ADHD impairs the regulation of brain activity, which creates trouble for such individuals to keep up with the same routine daily.
Their eating habits, sleep cycle, and other healthy habits might go to waste as they find it overwhelming to follow the same pattern daily.
9. ADHD is Often Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood
In the majority of cases, ADHD is often misunderstood as anxiety, depression, or, in some cases, OCD. It might be confusing to distinguish between the symptoms as they are somewhat the same as compared to other common disorders.
Hence, it is strongly advised to visit a qualified doctor and get assessed for a proper diagnosis.
10. Tooth Grinding Can be a Symptom of ADHD
Unfortunately, ADHD symptoms do not sleep as soon as your child does. Yes, you read it right! Many studies suggest that ADHD and sleep disorders go hand in hand, and teeth grinding is one of them. This symptom is also called bruxism, which is common in people with ADHD due to anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity. Other sleep abnormalities within children include insomnia, sleep terrors, snoring, and sleep apnea.
A 2009 study involving teenagers with ADHD found that these sleep problems were prevalent regardless of the severity of their ADHD symptoms.
11. ADHD is More Common Than Autism
ADHD is the most common mental or developmental condition in children in the United States. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), ADHD affects 9% of children aged 3–17 and 4% of adults, highlighting its prevalence across different age groups. In comparison, around 1 in 55 children are currently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the U.S., with boys being four-and-a-half times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.
These statistics underscore the importance of raising awareness about ADHD, as its higher prevalence calls for increased support and resources to help individuals manage the condition and thrive in society.
12. ADHD and Neurotypical Brains Have Different Chemistry
Children who suffer from ADHD have certain brain regions that might be underdeveloped. In other cases, they develop slower than usual, resulting in delayed milestones compared to those without the condition. One of the brain’s regions responsible for this is the frontal lobe, which plays a crucial role in impulse control, organization, and focus.
Research suggests that the frontal lobe in children with ADHD may mature more slowly, leading to challenges in these cognitive areas of functioning. This delayed development can contribute to the hallmark symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity, difficulty organizing tasks, and trouble staying focused.
13. People Do Not Outgrow ADHD
According to research, approximately 70 out of 100 children with ADHD experience symptoms well into their adolescence, and 50 out of 100 continue to experience symptoms far into adulthood.
Some children with ADHD may experience a significant improvement or remission of symptoms as they grow older, and it’s important to note that ADHD is not a condition that is universally outgrown. The severity of the symptoms, treatment, support, and individual variability all play crucial roles in controlling the worsening of ADHD symptoms
13 Signs of ADHD in Adulthood
It’s not hard to notice a child who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)—they will be jumping off the walls, the dog will always be “eating their homework,” and they will frequently test everyone’s patience. We know about kids, but how do you tell if an adult is on the ADHD spectrum?
14 Engaging Jobs Ideal for People with ADHD
Rather than thinking of ADHD as a limitation, it’s time to recognize it as an advantageous skill set when pursuing certain career paths. By harnessing their inherent talents and focusing on their strengths, individuals with ADHD can find fulfilling and rewarding careers that not only accommodate their neurodiversity but also celebrate their unique abilities.
14 Engaging Jobs Ideal for People with ADHD
Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that's not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she's not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
