You Need to Recognize ADHD Misinformation

Written by Cynthia Hammer, MSW

If you read last week’s blog, you know 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.   But then, I tell myself, what is the point of seeking help for ADHD, if websites mislead people into obtaining the wrong kind of help?  So, I will continue calling out misinformation when I see it.

Examples of what I call out:

1. Websites that list therapy before medication as a treatment for ADHD.

I email the website and tell them it is usual, no matter the health concern, to list the most effective treatment first.  Medications are the most effective treatment for ADHD.  They 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.

I email and complain about their scare tactics regarding medicine 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. 

I email these websites and explain that by not educating patients about what to expect with medication, they create unrealistic expectations. People are unwilling to keep trying. 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.

I call out their bait and switch tactic.

5. This is a trickier issue to recognize, but I have encountered it on three websites.  Here is an example: the author of a website article says ADHD medication is habit-forming (It’s not) and cites an article on CHADD’s website as the source for this information.

I couldn’t believe CHADD would say that ADHD medication is habit-forming, and they don’t. In fact, the cited article says the opposite, “Although there is potential for abuse when misused, psychostimulant medications do not cause addictions to develop in those being treated appropriately.” .” There was no email contact on the offending website, so I found the editor’s address and mailed her a letter, suggesting she follow ADDitude magazine which has its articles verified by an editorial board. 

Sometimes I feel my efforts are only a drop in the bucket against all the misinformation, but other times, I feel I am making a difference.  If advocacy appeals to you, join me. Email websites when you notice they promote incorrect information about ADHD and its treatments.