Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder of children and teens and can continue into adulthood. There are lots of myths and misconceptions about ADHD diagnosed individuals.

It is true that children diagnosed with ADHD face a hard time paying attention. They are hyperactive and cannot control impulses. These behaviours hugely affect their school and home life. And adults diagnosed with ADHD can face trouble managing time, setting goal and holding down a job.

The cause of ADHD, however, is not known yet. But researchers say there could be several factors leading to the condition. One of the factors is heredity, as researchers have found that ADHD runs in families.

Poor nutrition, infections, smoking, drinking and substance abuse during pregnancy also could lead to ADHD, as these things can affect a child’s brain development.

There are reports that toys made for children carry lead in excessive amounts. Lead is one of the toxins that could affect a child’s brain development. Similarly, brain injury or brain disorder can also lead to ADHD.

In Nepal, ADHD isn’t taken as a real thing and people do not pay much attention to. Some even believe that ADHD is not a “real thing”.

Such claims have made ADHD a controversial issue. Even some psychiatrists have often claimed that the condition does not exist, while others argue that people are overly diagnosed with the condition.

Some believe that everybody has this condition to a certain extent. That said, ADHD and other conditions such as autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and anxiety disorder that occur mostly in children and teens should not be taken lightly. There is no cure for ADHD. Nor can this condition be prevented. But early identification of this condition and subsequent treatment and education plan can help children and adults with ADHD manage their symptoms.

We should not ignore ADHD and people diagnosed with the condition. ADHD does not mean end of everything. There are several examples of people with ADHD living successful and happy lives. The most important thing is we need to pay attention to symptoms and find a good treatment plan. When it comes to children, we must stop treating the condition as a disease and rather try to find better ways to support them.