Introduction:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition in which the development of the brain and its activity are affected, which affects one’s attention, self-control, and ability to sit still. It is usually diagnosed in childhood. Stigma is a negative outlook of people about certain conditions, which are often due to their misunderstanding or misinformation. Mental health conditions commonly fall prey to people’s stigma. Though there has been growing public knowledge and awareness about various mental health issues, there are multiple stigmas surrounding ADHD, which makes it miserable for parents to have kids with ADHD.
How Can One Be Affected by Stigmas in ADHD?
ADHD can make parenting difficult and miserable for parents and caregivers. It also poses challenges in school, job, and social settings. It can also impact how an individual with ADHD sees themself, especially if they start regarding these stigmas to be true. This is called self-stigma or internalized stigma. Based on research, individuals with ADHD may sometimes be considered to be immature, unreliable, impolite, emotionally dysfunctional, and weak in character.
As a result, individuals with ADHD may refrain from obtaining treatment. If ADHD is not treated at the earliest, it can have the following negative impacts:
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Anxiety.
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Difficulty maintaining a relationship.
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Low self-esteem.
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Job instability.
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Substance-use disorders.
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Problematic interactions between the child and the parents.
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Increased mortality rate.
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Increased crime rates and motor vehicle accidents.
What Are the Stigmas Surrounding ADHD?
The following are the stigmas surrounding ADHD:
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It Is Not a Real Disorder: Studies have shown that individuals living with ADHD have structural differences in areas of the brain responsible for motivation, cognitive control, decision-making, motor function, and motivation. Despite this, it is common to hear from people that ‘these mental conditions are just invented to sell drugs’, and so on. These comments can put one in a fix as to whether they must seek medical help or not.
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Only Children Are Affected: There is a myth that only children are affected by ADHD and not adults. Studies have shown that though this condition is diagnosed in childhood, the symptoms can progress into adulthood.
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Boys Are Commonly Affected: It is also common to hear comments like only boys are affected with ADHD, and girls and women, are least affected. ADHD is less prevalent in girls since, during childhood, they are less hyperactive and less likely to be linked with disruptive behavior, which makes other symptoms of ADHD less noticed or unnoticed.
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Frequently Diagnosed Condition: There is a myth that ADHD is a frequently diagnosed condition; hence, it will resolve if the individual puts in extra effort.
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Individuals With ADHD Are Overmedicated: Another belief is that many individuals are being over diagnosed with ADHD and overmedicated since the number of cases of ADHD has increased in recent years. However, awareness about ADHD is on the rise, and hence this belief is slowly weaning.
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Bad Parenting Can Result in ADHD: According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD is one of the leading mental health conditions that affect children. Parents may be blamed that they have not taught proper discipline to their children, which results in the symptoms of ADHD. This is not true because ADHD is a neurological condition in which a child has difficulty regulating their attention or controlling their impulsive behavior. Punishing such a child can create more problems in the future. Studies also suggest that ADHD is caused due to genetic factors and is hereditary.
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Individuals With ADHD Just Need to Put in a Little More Effort: Many individuals who see kids displaying behaviors associated with ADHD may complain about the fact that these kids are not putting in the effort to behave and concentrate. But the truth is that these kids, despite putting in the needed efforts, find even simple tasks to be challenging because ADHD is a neurological condition in which a child has difficulty concentrating and maintaining their attention. These comments from other people can lower the confidence and self-esteem of individuals with ADHD.
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Medication Is Not the Primary Way of Getting Rid of the Condition: Medications can regulate the neurotransmitter imbalances in ADHD and help the individual cope with the condition. Avoiding medications can make it difficult for one to work efficiently in academic, occupational, and social settings.
How Do Stigmas Associated With ADHD Affect Different Age Groups?
The stigma associated with ADHD affects different age groups in the following ways:
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ADHD can affect anyone, irrespective of age. So, the ways in which one perceives these stigmas at various stages of life also vary. For example, children may find it challenging to engage in various tasks and make friends at school as they may feel judged for their behaviors by their peers.
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Similarly, adults with ADHD may have an inhibition to socialize with their peers at work as they feel that their peers may ridicule them at the workplace.
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Various kinds of stigma can make it even more difficult for adults with ADHD, and they may experience effects from internalized stigma (self-stigma), perceived stigma, or anticipated discrimination.
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Also, there is various misinformation that ADHD is not a real condition and it normally ends after childhood, and that adults are least affected. But, it has been found that 50 to 70 percent of children with ADHD will progress to experience this condition even in adulthood.
What Is the Impact of Stigmas Associated With ADHD on Parents and Caregivers?
It is common for parents having kids with ADHD to be blamed by other parents or family members. These stigmas can impact parenting and treatment choices, like deciding whether to make the child take medication or not. Affiliate stigma is a kind of internalized stigma that impacts caregivers or family members of individuals with a condition like ADHD. Affiliate stigma can have the following impacts:
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Elevate stress levels.
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Affect the quality of life.
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Interfere with the level of care given to the individual with ADHD.
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Creates negative perceptions or attitudes toward the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
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Results in poor cooperation with healthcare professionals.
How to Navigate Out of ADHD Stigmas?
Sufficient education and awareness about the stigmas surrounding ADHD can help one change their perception about the treatment, create intentions to seek medical help, overcome discrimination and personal stigma, and also change their views about empowerment. One can navigate out of ADHD stigmas in the following ways:
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Self-Story: Those living with ADHD or caring for someone with ADHD can share their stories and create awareness about ADHD. Whenever possible, one must take the opportunity to create awareness about the condition through local schools or organizations, social networks, news outlets, and so on. Also, listening to stories of others living with the same condition can help one gain knowledge about how other individuals with ADHD are dealing with the condition, which can keep them motivated.
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Know About the Treatment: According to myths, treatment for ADHD is not a way to cope or deal with inadequate parenting or laziness. It acts by correcting chemical imbalances in the brain, and it is usually effective.
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New Research Findings: One can know and share information about ADHD and recent research on this condition with others so that the stigmas are broken and replaced by valid medical facts.
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Reliable Sources for Learning: There are various reliable sites and organizations on the internet that offer support and information about ADHD, like the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA).
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Positive Reinforcement: Praising children with ADHD may be less frequent because of their behavior. But, whenever children with ADHD behave well, they must be praised verbally or rewarded with what they like. This boosts their self-esteem and aids them in developing a positive outlook about themselves and their potential. If a child believes that the parent or the caregiver believes in them, they are more inclined to think that they have the ability to achieve. Encouraging the child’s strengths and reminding them of their abilities can keep them encouraged and motivated.
Conclusion:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition in which the development of the brain and its activity are affected. More than the condition, individuals with ADHD find it difficult to deal with the various stigmas associated with ADHD. This can hinder timely diagnosis and treatment, eventually worsening the condition. Research suggests that staying in touch with those living with ADHD and being aware of the stigmas associated with ADHD can help one develop a positive outlook toward the condition. Once aware of the stigmas surrounding ADHD, working to spread awareness about such stigmas can benefit others living with ADHD as well. Just like physical health, mental health is also equally important and must be nurtured with care.
