4 myths about ADHD in kids

ADHD is often misunderstood, from the best treatment to whether people can outgrow it. Pediatrician Tanya Altmann, MD, clears up misconceptions.

Transcript

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While meds can help many kids with ADHD, lifestyle changes, counseling, and behavior modification

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are also important. [MUSIC PLAYING]

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Hi. I'm Dr. Altmann. Nearly 10% of American school kids have ADHD, according to some estimates.

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That's a lot of kids. And there are a lot of myths about ADHD. Here are four you should know about.

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First up, ADHD is caused by bad parenting. Nope. ADHD is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental

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factors that create chemical imbalances in the brain. Next up, medication is the only treatment for ADHD.

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While meds can help many kids with ADHD, lifestyle changes, counseling, and behavior modification

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are also important. Some studies suggest a combined approach works best. Then there's the myth that kids with ADHD

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can't focus on anything. It's true that kids with ADHD have trouble concentrating on things that don't interest them.

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But some kids with ADHD are prone to hyper focusing. That means they get overly absorbed and activities they

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enjoy, while ignoring the responsibilities they don't. The last myth, that kids outgrow ADHD.

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Some kids do, but up to 70% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood.

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That's why early diagnosis and treatment is so important to help them learn coping skills that will help them

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throughout their life. [HEART BEAT]