ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a medical condition that impacts various activities such as the ability to pay attention, the ability to sit still, self-control, etc. On a social level, the symptoms of ADHD can affect a child at school, at home, and in friendships and other relationships. Adults with this condition have issues with managing time, being organized, setting goals, and holding down a job. Furthermore, over time the symptoms can also create problems with relationships, self-esteem, and addiction.

Despite quite a few children and adults being diagnosed with it, there is still a lot of stigma attached to the condition. A lot of myths about ADHD are widespread, preventing individuals from seeking the required help and treatment. One common myth is that the behavioral issues of patients are linked with this disorder.

1. Busting the ADHD myth related to behavior Issues
For a child with ADHD, the prime challenge is trouble paying attention. But for parents and many others, the biggest problem is their behavior. Children with ADHD may be quick to lash out, throw a tantrum or be defiant when they are asked to do things they don’t want to do.

One needs to understand and agree on the fact that defiance and tantrums are not symptoms of ADHD itself. Instead, in most of the cases, they are the results of ADHD symptoms. Inattention and impulsivity can make it very difficult for children with this disorder to do repetitive tasks, or take on a lot of work which might be boring. Children with this brain disorder can be overwhelmed with frustration, and throwing a shoe or pushing someone can be the result of impulsivity. They are less able than other children of similar age to manage powerful feelings without an outburst.

Sometimes, behavior problems can also go beyond impulsive outbursts. Some children with ADHD can also develop negative behavior patterns. This is primarily a response to years of finding themselves in conflict with adults.

In some cases, where kids with the condition are chronically defiant, they might also be diagnosed with a behavior disorder called oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).

2. Why do kids with ADHD act out?
To understand why children with ADHD are often angry, aggressive, or defiant one needs to free their mind of any ADHD myths regarding this issue and examine the history of the child when growing up with the condition. In certain cases, children exhibiting the symptoms might not be interested in doing things that adults want them to do. This is one of the prime reasons which leads to conflict with parents from a very young age. Their behavior is primarily an outcome of hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD.

3. How to deal with It?
The various ADHD myths cause much more harm than good. Often, all that is needed to manage a child with the condition is a disciplined strategy and therapy. Unlike children who don’t suffer from the condition, kids with ADHD often need more structured and clear instructions to achieve the kind of behavior one is looking for from them. Every parent should assist their children to figure out what acceptable behaviors are, teach those acceptable behaviors and appreciate them being good as often as one possibly can. It is to be noted that praise and appreciation are powerful tools for managing disruptive behavior.