17 – Debunking 10 ADHD Myths & 5 ways to spot the scammers!

Key Takeaways

ADHD Is a Well-Documented Neurological Condition, Not Behavioral Choice

ADHD affects 5-10% of people worldwide and is supported by decades of scientific research showing real differences in brain structure and function.

The condition involves documented differences in areas controlling attention, impulsivity, and self-regulation. Historical records show ADHD-like symptoms were first medically documented by Sir Alexander Creighton in Edinburgh in 1798, proving this isn’t a modern invention. When people claim ADHD isn’t real or that children just need better discipline, they’re ignoring substantial genetic and neurological evidence that demonstrates ADHD is a legitimate neurodevelopmental difference requiring appropriate support and understanding.

Why Ketogenic Diet Claims as ADHD “Cures” Are Scientifically Unfounded

No peer-reviewed human studies demonstrate that ketogenic diets cure ADHD, despite claims circulating on social media. The limited research supporting these claims comes from animal studies on rats and mice, which cannot be directly applied to human ADHD management.

For 85% or more of people with ADHD, the condition is genetic and neurodevelopmental, meaning dietary changes alone cannot eliminate core symptoms. While nutrition impacts energy and focus for everyone, promoting restrictive diets as ADHD cures is particularly harmful given the significantly higher rates of eating disorders in the ADHD population, especially among teenage girls where anorexia, bulimia, and ARFID occur at much higher rates than in neurotypical peers.

The Dangerous Intersection of ADHD and Eating Disorder Risk

People with ADHD face substantially higher risks for eating disorders, including ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), which makes food-based ADHD “solutions” particularly problematic. Many children with ADHD already struggle with limited food acceptance, and forcing dietary restrictions can damage crucial trust and connection between parents and children.

The relationship between ADHD and food is complex: ADHD brains seek dopamine through readily available refined foods because they provide temporary neurochemical relief, not because the foods cause ADHD.

When individuals take appropriate ADHD medication, many find their compulsive eating patterns naturally diminish as their brain’s dopamine regulation improves, demonstrating that ADHD drives food choices rather than food creating ADHD symptoms.

Why Gender and Presentation Myths Lead to Missed Diagnoses

ADHD affects boys and girls equally in adulthood, but diagnostic bias means girls are frequently missed during childhood due to different socialization and symptom presentation expectations. The stereotype of the hyperactive white boy has led to systematic under-diagnosis of women, people of color, and individuals with inattentive presentations. Girls are more likely to be diagnosed with inattentive ADHD, though this may reflect diagnostic prejudice rather than true prevalence differences. The emotional consequences of late diagnosis for women often include multiple incorrect mental health diagnoses before receiving appropriate ADHD support, leading to years of unnecessary struggle and self-blame.

How to Protect Yourself from ADHD Misinformation Using Five Key Questions

Evaluate ADHD information by asking: 1) Is the source a reputable organization or ADHD researcher without financial conflicts? 2) Do they cite peer-reviewed research from medical journals? 3) Are they promising quick fixes versus long-term management strategies? 4) Do they have financial interests in selling supplements or exclusive solutions? 5) Does the information align with established medical understanding from recognized ADHD experts? Be especially wary of maverick claims from sources outside mainstream ADHD science, and remember that managing ADHD effectively requires sustained effort and realistic expectations rather than miracle cures.

Why People with ADHD Are Vulnerable to Misinformation and Quick Fixes

ADHD brains are naturally drawn to simple solutions because impulsivity makes us attach quickly to new information that promises relief from daily challenges. The combination of executive function difficulties and the genuine desire to improve our lives makes us more trusting and likely to pursue information rabbit holes without sufficient evaluation.

This vulnerability is compounded by the fact that most people would prefer not to have ADHD symptoms, making any potential “cure” immediately appealing. Managing this tendency requires accepting that our brains work this way, implementing external pause systems before consuming more information, and building communities where we can sense-check new claims with others who understand ADHD.

The Real Impact of Diet on ADHD Symptoms Versus Cure Claims

While diet significantly impacts energy, focus, and overall health for people with ADHD, no single dietary approach eliminates core ADHD symptoms for the vast majority of individuals. Some people may have genuine food sensitivities that worsen ADHD-like symptoms, but this represents sensitivity to specific ingredients rather than ADHD itself. A balanced nutritional approach supports overall brain health and can help manage some ADHD symptoms