Blog Post

Common Misconceptions About ADHD: Fact or Fiction?

November 5, 2019




FICTION: Some people think that kids with ADHD are “lazy,” or “oppositional”; while some might even write them off as “not as intelligent as their peers.”


FACT: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental problem. This means that it is a“brain issue”with the imbalance of neurotransmitters such as dopamine , which plays a key role in regulating one's: motivation, cognitive function, pleasure, memory, attention, and problem-solving.

ALL teachers have been appropriately trained and given all of the necessary tools and resources to effectively educate all learning styles of children in the classroom during their school day.

FACT: Most teachers are taught to educate the “typical” student and with their available resources (or some might argue lack thereof), they only have the means to educate the “typical child” versus the “atypical student” (i.e., the ADHD/learning disabled child) that may require more attention and special accommodations outside the standard structured classroom. For example, a standard elementary school punishment for misbehaving in class (whether it be from excessive talking, not following directions, or whatever the minor infraction might have been), would be to hold the child back from recess/free playtime.While this punishment seems to make sense for a “typical child” in a “time out scenario,” this could havethe opposite (and negative) effect on an ADHD child, who desperately needed this free play/recess to relieve their excess energy which caused them to act out in the first place.


ADHD is an overdiagnosed pediatric disorder that only applies to children and usually remediates once they complete school. Adults don't really suffer from ADHD.

FACT: While it is most prevalent in children to be diagnosed at this age, partially due to such a “safety net” of observers (e.g., teachers, pediatricians, parents, family members, school and independent counselors, and adolescent psychiatrists) are available as a “team” to help all of our children get through adolescence, so that if one of them notices that the child is struggling, early intervention and diagnosis is possible.

FACT: It is estimated that approximately 30-40% of the pediatric ADHD population no longer meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood.

MISCONCEPTION: Medication is the only effective treatment for ADHD.

FACT: While medication is shown to be effective in the treatment of ADHD, it is best used in conjunction with a holistic approach for maximum results. Think of it this way: to quote our Clinical Director, Dr. Jim Zettel, “Pills don't teach skills.” Treatment is most effective with a multimodal approach of behavior modification (including parent training for younger children), executive skills training, maintaining a healthy lifestyle to include good sleep hygiene, and a properly balanced diet with sufficient protein, good fats, and complex carbohydrates. With this combination (skills training, a healthy lifestyle, and a good support system), many have shown success weaning off of their ADHD medication altogether by utilizing their healthier coping skills.





Sarah Patterson, Clinical Program Manager, Intensive Treatment Program & Forensic Coordinator of The Woodlands Behavioral Health and Wellness Center since 2010. Sarah has been diagnosed with ADHD since the age of 5 and understands the struggles that can manifest from one's executive and working memory deficits in their educational, personal, and professional goals. She has gratefully had the pleasure of working and learning alongside the leading experts in the field to become a beacon of hope for others on their journey.

Elissa Mattar, M.Ed., LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor, & Executive Coach at The Woodlands Behavioral Health and Wellness Center since 2011. Elissa primarily works with adolescents and their families, as well as adults with executive skill deficits, emotional dysregulation, ADHD, and mood disorders. She offers executive skills coaching for students and adults (ages 9+) who struggle with academic planning, working memory deficits, and maintaining realistic work/life/educational expectations.

Jim Zettel, Ph.D., ABSNP, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Diplomate in School Neuropsychology, & Clinical Director of The Woodlands Behavioral Health and Wellness Center since 2007, when we opened our doors as ADD Wellness Group and then transitioned to The Woodlands Behavioral Health and Wellness Center. His clinical interests include working with families, children, teens and adults with ADHD, ASD, mood disorders, and substance use.

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