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Feed, Mental health and wellbeing, Research

Debunking seven common ADHD myths

23 October 2025
Margarida Maximo

Margarida Maximo

Debunking seven common ADHD myths

In this blog Dr Sharifah Syed Salim Agha, lecturer in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section and researcher at the Wolfson Centre for Young People’s Mental Health aims to debunk common ADHD myths found on social media.

Let’s look at the facts

You have probably heard of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), especially as it has gained more visibility in recent years. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that involves difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour.

ADHD is common, affecting around 3–5% of people. Despite this, it is still surrounded by misconceptions and myths that contribute to stigma and make it harder for those with ADHD to get the support they need.

As part of ADHD Awareness Month this October, let’s look at some of the most common myths and what the research actually says.

1. Everyone thinks they have ADHD now – it’s just a trend

ADHD is not a trend. The increase in ADHD-related content on social media may have led to more people seeking assessments, but research does not support the idea that ADHD is being overdiagnosed.

While more people are being diagnosed, the number is still lower than the estimated number of people in the UK who likely have ADHD. The rise in diagnoses reflects better awareness and recognition of the condition, not overdiagnosis.

Greater awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek support. However, ADHD is a complex condition that can’t be fully explained in short social media posts or videos. Formal diagnoses can only be made by qualified professionals, and there are many reliable sources of information available (see links below).

2. You can’t have ADHD and anxiety or depression

Yes, you can. In fact, people with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety or depression – these are called co-occurring conditions. The rate of these co-occurring conditions varies by age.

These additional conditions can affect how ADHD appears and how it impacts someone’s life. Recognising and addressing co-occurring conditions is important to ensure effective treatment and support.

3. Medication is the only way to manage ADHD.

No, a diagnosis of ADHD does not necessarily mean you will be prescribed medication. After diagnosis, you and your specialist doctor will discuss treatment options based on your needs and symptoms.

In the UK, guidelines recommend a well-rounded approach to support children with ADHD. This includes education and information about ADHD, making the environment (e.g. home and school) ADHD friendly and advice on parenting strategies.

Medication is used when ADHD symptoms are severe and are causing major difficulties.

4. People with ADHD are always hyper or disruptive.

Not everyone with ADHD is hyperactive. There are three main presentations of ADHD.

  • Predominantly inattentive presentation – mainly difficulties with focus, organisation, and completing tasks.
  • Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation – mainly restlessness and impulsivity.
  • Combined presentation – a mix of both types of symptoms.

ADHD can look very different from person to person and even at different stages of life. These variations in symptoms, challenges, and experiences can make it harder to recognise.

5. You grow out of ADHD once you’re an adult or only children can get a diagnosis.

No, you do not grow out of ADHD. Some core features, like hyperactivity, may lessen with age, but other symptoms such as inattention often continue.

The course of ADHD is very variable. While some individuals no longer experience ADHD symptoms as adults, many do continue to have ADHD. Despite this, some individuals find ways to work around their difficulties and play through their strengths.

ADHD can be diagnosed at any age, but symptoms usually begin in childhood.  While many people are diagnosed as children, some don’t find out they have ADHD until they are adults as their symptoms may have been missed or not recognised when they were younger.

6. ADHD is caused by junk food, too much screen time or bad parenting.

There’s no solid evidence that junk food, screen time, or parenting style cause ADHD.z

Similarly, there is little evidence to show that dietary changes can significantly improve ADHD symptoms.

ADHD is not caused by bad parenting or lack of discipline. Raising a child with ADHD can be challenging, however structured parenting strategies such as consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement can help.

7. ADHD is caused by a single gene

ADHD has a strong genetic component, but no single gene causes it. Instead, many genes each play a small part, along with environmental factors.

Researchers are still exploring how these factors interact and influence the development of ADHD.

What myths would you like us to debunk next? Let us know in the comments of our social media post.

Take part in our research

At Cardiff University we’ve launched a new study which aims to help researchers better understand children’s attention, behaviours, and emotions.

Visit our website to take part today.

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