Excerpt from: National Center for Learning Disabilities (click for full article)
Public perceptions of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
are replete with myths, misconceptions, and misinformation about the
nature, course, and treatment of the disorder.
While barriers to
treatment have been reduced in recent years, there is a climate of
blame, shame, embarrassment, and stigma that discourages some from
seeking help for debilitating mental health disorders, including AD/HD.
There is compelling evidence that a large number of youths with a
variety of mental disorders, including AD/HD, are not being served, are
inadequately served, or are inappropriately served. Misinformation often
demonizes those in need of treatment for AD/HD,
and may discourage individuals from seeking appropriate care. Parents
may avoid professional help because they are often accused of seeking to
medicate overly playful, non-compliant, or mildly disruptive children.
More likely, parents are struggling to help their children cope with a
serious constellation of problems and are seeking help because previous
attempts to reduce the impact of AD/HD have failed.
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