AD/HD - Facts and Fiction
Angela MacPhee, MSc
Registered Psychologist
Of all the mental health diagnoses that can be made in
childhood, the diagnosis of AD/HD seems to be one of
the most familiar to the public. If you ask any parent,
teacher, coach, or neighbor, it seems nearly everyone has
an opinion about AD/HD. Some people think it is over
diagnosed. Some believe it is an excuse for poor parenting
or classroom management skills. Others believe that in
order to be diagnosed with AD/HD, a person must be
highly disruptive, unable to pay attention to anything, and
unable to sit still.
In reality, although each of these beliefs contains a grain
of truth, research indicates that they are fiction. The truth
is that AD/HD is often misunderstood. Where do these
misunderstandings come from? Part of the reason is that
although we have made great strides, the psychological
and medical communities are still learning about what
AD/HD really is, what causes
it, and how best to treat it. As
well, the media has at times
presented a skewed picture
of AD/HD to the public. In
response to this diagnosis,
a number of groups have
formed making radical and
unsubstantiated claims.
The facts about AD/HD
come from years and years
of extensive research. Here is
some of what we know about
this diagnosis. While it is true
that there have inevitably been
cases of mistaken diagnosis
in the past, researchers have
found that AD/HD is actually
under diagnosed. In fact, some
estimates indicate that 3 out of
4 people with this diagnosis
may go undetected. It is my
belief that in order to improve this statistic, we need to
provide the public with more information about what AD/
HD really looks like, so that people are better equipped to
identify children who need to be evaluated.
There are actually three distinct types of AD/HD. Those
with AD/HD – Combined Type have problems with
both attention and hyperactivity. This group of people
tends to look most similar to the picture most people
hold about what AD/HD looks like. Those with AD/
HD – Hyperactive/Impulsive Type have problems with
hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, but can generally
pay attention to what is necessary. Those with AD/HD
– Predominantly Inattentive Type have problems with
attention but are not hyperactive (this type used to be
called ADD, but we no longer use this term). These people
are often classified as “daydreamers”, and are usually the
Continued on page 3 easiest to overlook. Although we all demonstrate these
patterns to a certain extent, in all types of AD/HD the
symptoms are severe enough to interfere with school,
home life, relationships, or work.
Problems with attention are not difficult to miss. People
who have inattentive types of AD/HD can actually
pay attention quite well under certain conditions. It is
what they are paying attention to, for how long, and at
what time that is the concern. Children with attention
problems can be highly attentive to what is interesting and
stimulating to them brain, but struggle to pay attention to
that which is not. This pattern is not a defiant choice, but
rather the way his brain functions. They may be highly
attentive when playing video games for hours on end,
but during the reading of a chapter book by their teacher,
they may be paying attention to the children outside
playing soccer. Children with attention problems also
demonstrate difficulty transitioning away from things they
find interesting, and transitioning into things they find
boring. Therefore, they may have difficulty leaving the
TV show to come for supper, and they may resist or avoid
when it is announced that it is time to begin homework.
Alternatively, a child may begin a task with gusto, but
have problems sustaining effort across time.
In regards to AD/HD being related to parents’ or teachers’
problematic management of children, it is true that all
children do best when parents and teachers are skilled
in behavior management. However, children with AD/
HD do not choose to be hyperactive or inattentive only
when they feel they are free to do so. These children will
demonstrate a pattern of vast fluctuations in attention
and/or hyperactivity that is present across time and in
more than one environment (i.e. not just over the past
three months, or only when with a parent or a particular
teacher). But here’s the catch – sometimes a parent or a
teacher is stimulating, interesting and has a personality
and style that naturally meshes well with a child who
has AD/HD. In these cases, the child will usually do
well when with this adult, but struggle when in other
environments (e.g. when with coaches, other teachers, and
other adults).
AD/HD is a complex neurological condition. Its effects
should not be dismissed. However, with the right supports
and treatment, people with this diagnosis can and have
gone on to lead full and successful lives. If you have
concerns for yourself or someone you know, talk to a
qualified physician or psychologist.
of emotional connection, trust, caring, and doing the
“little things for each other”, such as remembering your
partner’s favourite flower or touching his hand while
driving in the car. Of course, improving sexual intimacy
also comes down to breaking up monotony and unhealthy
routines in our lives. Many lifestyle habits can detract
from sex, like excessive drinking, over-eating, and lack of
fitness. It is also all too easy to let comfort-seeking habits,
such as television or surfing the net replace other activities
that foster intimacy. These may include, taking time to
sort out the day during a quiet time, having a quiet dinner
in candle-light, or finding a joint activity such as Latino
dancing or yoga. Feeling healthy and alive ultimately
makes us feel better about ourselves, and self-esteem has a
positive impact on libido and feeling wanted.
Even so, many partners want to capture the days of the
honeymoon phase. This is all too often expressed in the
form of being too enmeshed or dependent on each other’s
approval and reassurance. Sex then can become a measure
of relationship quality and intimacy, which can lead to
anxiety and sexual performance problems. In the long
term, this style of relationship becomes suffocating and
difficult to maintain. Sexual passion suffers as expectations
fall through the roof.
Communication about sex can be difficult, but these
discussions can clear misunderstandings and differences
in opinion about what should happen and how often.
Some people believe that some topics are “off-limits”
or “taboo” and this can compromise intimacy if only
one person feels this way. It is important to remember
that communication is the key, but the door swings both
ways: it is as important to communicate needs as it is
to listen to the needs of a loved one. Relationships can
be helped, and there is no shame in seeking assistance
with either communication or sexual issues. However,
ultimately people are responsible for their own behavior
within relationships, and there can be unspoken and
painful truths that people need to confront. Learn
to self-soothe and take responsibility for your own
emotions. Accept and appreciate each other’s quirks and
limitations. Including this type of sincerity and honesty
in relationships allows sex to become more emotional
and meaningful, and also makes for a more mature
relationship based on a secure and lifelong attachment.
Download Article
