3 Action Steps After Reading:
- Support Your Loved Ones – Avoid the common sayings featured here in the article and minimizing ADHD symptoms; instead, offer understanding and suggest professional help for those who may be struggling.
- Recognize the Importance of Proper Diagnosis – Seek a professional diagnosis from a physician who understands the complexities of adult ADHD.
- Take the First Step – Get started with Physicians Now’s concierge telemedicine services for an ADHD diagnosis and personalized treatment. Click here to begin or take our free online ADHD assessment.
In the Buzzfeed article, “12 Things You Should Never Say to Someone with ADHD” by Marie Holmes, the author highlights how dismissive remarks can deeply affect individuals dealing with ADHD. The article provides a comprehensive list of common phrases that, though often well-intentioned, can be hurtful or invalidating to those who experience ADHD daily.
Holmes stresses that ADHD is a neurological condition, not a matter of laziness, a lack of effort, or an excuse for irresponsibility. She covers the common misunderstandings surrounding ADHD and offers advice on how to avoid adding to the stigma.
Read the full article here.
While the article sheds light on societal misunderstandings of ADHD, it also underscores a larger issue—ADHD is often misunderstood not just by strangers, but by well-meaning family members and friends. Dr. Jeremy McConnell, Chief Medical Officer at Physicians Now, concurs with this perspective, noting that ADHD is frequently minimized.
As Dr. McConnell shares:
“Even loving and well-meaning friends and family can negatively impact someone suffering from adult ADHD by minimizing the severity or complexity of the disorder.”
This theme, that ADHD is often downplayed or misunderstood, reinforces the importance of professional diagnosis and treatment.
A Closer Look: 12 Common Misstatements About ADHD
Holmes walks us through some of the most common misstatements, such as:
- “Everyone has a little bit of ADHD sometimes.”
- This phrase trivializes the reality of living with ADHD, Holmes explains. ADHD is a persistent, lifelong condition that affects executive functioning in ways that go far beyond occasional forgetfulness or daydreaming.
- “You just need to try harder.”
- This remark can be especially damaging. People with ADHD are often trying their hardest, but ADHD can create obstacles that aren’t easily overcome by willpower alone.
- “ADHD isn’t real.”
- One of the most harmful and unfounded statements, Holmes stresses, is the outright denial of ADHD as a legitimate medical condition. This phrase reinforces the stigma that ADHD is an invented excuse for laziness or irresponsibility.
Holmes highlights that these types of statements are particularly problematic because they overlook the scientific basis of ADHD, which is a recognized neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts how people focus, process information, and regulate their emotions.
The Role of Compassion and Professional Help
Building on Holmes’ insights, Dr. McConnell explains that these misguided comments can prevent individuals from seeking the proper help they need. ,The complexities and nuances of ADHD make it vital to seek treatment from experienced physicians like the ones at Physicians Now, who have extensive experience in treating the condition.
“ADHD symptoms often overlap with anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders,” Dr. McConnell notes. “An accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation that can only be done by a trained doctor.”
Dr. McConnell’s point drives home the value of seeking professional medical attention. Proper diagnosis goes beyond understanding whether someone has ADHD; it involves tailoring a treatment plan specific to their needs. At Physicians Now, we ensure that patients receive a personalized plan that helps address their symptoms, something that generic cookie-cutter approaches from other telehealth services may fail to provide.
Why Proper Diagnosis Matters
Without a proper diagnosis, patients may suffer from untreated or misdiagnosed conditions that continue to impact their personal and professional lives. ADHD can often coexist with other conditions, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. This complexity requires a doctor trained in adult ADHD to properly differentiate between these conditions and create an effective treatment plan.
Furthermore, receiving a personalized treatment plan can be life-changing for those suffering from ADHD. This involves more than just medication; it includes strategies for managing ADHD in everyday life, support from healthcare professionals, and adjustments to lifestyle and work routines to accommodate and mitigate symptoms.
At Physicians Now, we specialize in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD and related disorders with a 95% treatment success rate. This success stems from a combination of expert diagnosis, a customized treatment plan, and ongoing support from our dedicated medical team.
Moving Beyond Misconceptions
One of the central themes in Holmes’ article is the frustration of constantly being misunderstood. People with ADHD are often told to simply “focus more” or that they are using their diagnosis as an excuse. Holmes encourages readers to adopt a more supportive approach and avoid making offhand remarks that belittle the struggles of individuals with ADHD.
Instead of downplaying the challenges, Holmes suggests that friends and family should practice empathy and patience. Encouraging a loved one to seek professional help or simply offering a listening ear can go a long way in providing meaningful support.
Dr. McConnell adds that while well-intentioned advice from friends and family may sometimes help, a professional ADHD diagnosis is essential to developing a clear path forward. This includes evaluating lifestyle, work pressures, and family dynamics to create a comprehensive treatment approach that provides relief.
Take the First Step
If you or a loved one has been struggling with symptoms of ADHD, now is the time to seek help. ADHD is a complex disorder, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can regain control of your life. As Marie Holmes highlights in her article, the world may not always understand ADHD, but you can take charge of your own health by pursuing the proper care.
At Physicians Now, we offer a concierge telemedicine service for adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment in Florida, California, and New York. Our top-rated doctors are here to provide personalized, in-depth care through live video exams, not just forms and auto-rebilled services. To get started with your diagnosis, click here or take our free ADHD screening test here.
