by Cynthia Hammer, MSW, Author of the book, Living with Inattentive ADHD
I hunt for misinformation about ADHD on the web. Sometimes I wonder if I am distracted, going down rabbit holes that don’t relate to my mission of creating awareness about Inattentive ADHD and finding girls with ADHD before age 8.
But then, I tell myself, what is the point of seeking help for ADHD, if websites lead people into obtaining the wrong kind of help?
Here are examples of misinformation you should be on the alert for. Put up your spidy senses and quickly leave.
1. Websites that list therapy as a treatment for ADHD before medication.
It is usual, no matter the health concern, to list the most effective treatment first. Stimulant medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD and should be listed first.
2. Websites that mention medication as the first-line treatment, but include scary language about taking medicine, not putting the possible side effects of ADHD medications in proper perspective and not pointing out the possible harmful effects of not treating ADHD with medication.
They employ scare tactics when they don’t mention how rare the side effects are or mention how the dose can be adjusted or the medication changed to eliminate side effects.
3. Websites that don’t educate people about the medication process—that it may take time to find the best medication at the right dose.
They should educate patients about what to expect with medication and not create unrealistic expectations. People might be unwilling to keep trying if they believe, unrealistically, that it will be one and done. With unrealistic expectations, medication adherence and persistence become problems.
4. Websites with a bait and switch tactic. The title says the nine most effective treatments for ADHD, but the article lists the most effective therapies. Medication is briefly mentioned in the first paragraph, but it is not listed Number 1 as the most effective therapy.
5. This is a trickier issue to recognize, but I have encountered it. The author of a article says something unproven or false about ADHD medication and provide a false reference to a reputable website. The reference cited is false. The author included it only to give their misinformation the appearance of credability.
So, as vulnerable as you can be, when seeking help for yourself or a family member with ADHD, keep avoiding online charlatans who want to persuade you to buy what they are selling.
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Learn how to give girls with ADHD a fair start in life at www.FINDtheADHDgirls.org
