FERNWOOD FITNESS - PULSE eMagazine - Issue#7 - Flipbook - Page 21
Why the stigma?
The s琀椀gma around ADHD arises from misconcep琀椀ons that it's
simply a lack of discipline or laziness. This misunderstanding
o昀琀en leads to feelings of shame and self-doubt for individuals
with ADHD. Furthermore, societal misconcep琀椀ons contribute
to the underdiagnosis of adults, especially women, who might
exhibit less overt hyperac琀椀vity and impulsivity.
The historical portrayal of ADHD as primarily a
childhood disorder has led to the misconcep琀椀on
that it's something that individuals eventually
outgrow. This oversimpli昀椀ca琀椀on overlooks the
fact that ADHD is a lifelong condi琀椀on that can
con琀椀nue to a昀昀ect adults, o昀琀en manifes琀椀ng
in unique ways. This oversimpli昀椀ca琀椀on fuels
the belief that adults with ADHD should have
"grown out" of their symptoms, dismissing the
very real challenges they face daily.
A lack of public awareness about the diverse
presenta琀椀on of ADHD has contributed to this
misunderstanding. Many people are unaware
that ADHD can manifest di昀昀erently based on
factors such as gender, age, and individual
strengths. For instance, women and girls o昀琀en
exhibit less overt hyperac琀椀vity, leading to
underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. This lack of
awareness perpetuates outdated stereotypes
and prevents individuals from seeking proper
diagnosis and support.
In order to overcome the outdated percep琀椀on
of ADHD and combat the associated s琀椀gma,
society must embrace a more nuanced and
informed understanding of the condi琀椀on. This
involves recognising the diverse ways in which
ADHD can present and acknowledging that
it's not limited to childhood. By advoca琀椀ng for
accurate educa琀椀on and raising awareness, we
can pave the way for a more empathe琀椀c and
inclusive perspec琀椀ve on ADHD.