“Growing Out” of ADD and ADHD
In the past, many believed that those diagnosed with ADD or ADHD as a child could “grow out” of it. With academic, professional, and social successes as the children matured, the myth about ADD and ADHD was born that the disorder was curable. Parents and children held on to this folklore with great hope.
With advancements in neuroscience, the current consensus does not support the conclusion that someone “out grew” the neurocognitive disorder. Although many of those who live with ADD or ADHD provide anecdotal evidence that the symptoms of ADD and ADHD seem to diminish and have less impact on their daily life, they do continue to deal with issues of impulsivity, lack of ability to control focus, and excessive activity. The clash of this myth about ADD and ADHD and the revelations of neuroscience produces the paradoxical question of how can someone with ADD or ADHD feel cured and yet still have the primary symptoms?
There are several viable explanations for the lessening impact of the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. The obvious one is usually the first step in treating ADD and ADHD, a managed medication program that allows the person to exercise control of focus. With sustained attention, a person with ADD and ADHD has the opportunity to self-monitor and moderate behaviors. Maturity and strengthening of the Executive Functions (those key mental processes that are crucial for getting things done so we can reach our goals) opens the door for someone who deals with ADD and ADHD to gain control of their life. With the ability to develop self-awareness and recall information on command, people can enjoy a life less hampered by the symptoms of ADHD and ADD.
As people with ADD and ADHD increase their understanding about the disorder and become more self-aware, they begin to moderate the symptomatic behaviors associated with it. Dr. Russell Barkley, a renowned figure in the research of ADD and ADHD, provides valuable information to assist in this process. “The major symptoms of ADHD are likely to change markedly as a consequence of the nature of the situation the person happens to be in. Research suggests that those with ADHD behave better in one-to-one situations, when doing tasks that they enjoy or find interesting, when there is some immediate payoff for behaving well, when they are supervised, in their work done earlier in the day rather than later….”*
Armed with information like this, the person dealing with the disorder can make choices in educational settings, career fields, and social activities that will ultimately lead to the decreased impact of ADHD symptoms and greater satisfaction in life.
Cured? No, that is a myth. Monitoring and moderating self to dramatically reduce the impact of ADD and ADHD symptoms—Yes, that is a truth!
*Adapted from R. A. Barkley & K. R. Murphy (2006) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A clinical workbook (3rd ed.). New York: Guilford Publications. Copyright 2006 by Guilford Publications.
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