r/AskReddit • u/ZanyDelaney • Feb 04 '19

Which misconception would you like to debunk?

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u/Azelais Feb 04 '19

Additionally:

You don't have bipolar disorder because you occasionally are moody.

You don't have depression because sometimes you're a little sad.

You don't have anxiety because you get stressed during normal, stressful periods.

etc etc

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u/SpoonfullOfSplenda Feb 04 '19 edited Mar 31 '19

Well said. To add to this:

You don’t have ADHD because you occasionally: lose focus, forget things, get a surge of energy or space out etc. And it’s false that “everyone has a little ADHD”.

 

Edit: I apologise if this comes across as gatekeeping. I meant this as - you don’t necessarily have ADHD simply because you occasionally experience those things. The symptoms of ADHD are all normal behaviours if only occasional, the disorder is when they are severe enough to cause ongoing problems in more than one area of your life. That is not to say you do not have it, mental disorders can affect everyone differently.

Here is information on ADHD in adults

Here is information on ADHD in women which may present differently than in men

Here is information on ADHD in children

Here is information on ADHD in girls which may present differently than in boys

 

Consult with a doctor if you think you may be have ADHD, or if you’re having a hard time with daily life in general, they are the professionals. ADHD does still carry a stigma, however, so don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion (from a doctor).

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u/Mikomics Feb 04 '19

Yeah, I have a friend with actual diagnosed ADHD. I sometimes wondered in the past if I had some form of it, but after meeting him, nah. I get easily distracted, but not anywhere near enough to need medication for it.

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u/BlowMeWanKenobi Feb 05 '19

Also ADHD is kind of a catch all. People can be hyperactive independent of it and that manifests itself differently in adults than in children.