Misinformation about ADHD treatment is unfortunately very common. It can be harmful to people with ADHD who may be seeking effective treatment options.

Here are some examples of common misinformation about ADHD treatment:

1. ADHD can be cured: There is currently no known cure for ADHD. While medication, behavioral therapy, and educational and professional accommodations can help manage symptoms and improve functioning, ADHD is a chronic and biologically-based condition that typically requires ongoing treatment. If effective treatment is discontinued, symptoms will likely return. While some children with ADHD, particularly those with milder symptoms, may not meet the criteria for diagnosis as they age, the majority of children with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. 
2. ADHD is caused by trauma: ADHD is a complex disorder that likely results from a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors. While it is true that adverse childhood experiences can contribute to the development of mental health conditions, this does not negate the biological basis of ADHD or the effectiveness of medical treatments for ADHD. The theory that ADHD is caused by trauma is not supported by the majority of scientific evidence about ADHD, and the theory may be leading to ineffective or harmful treatments.
3. Medication is the only treatment option: While medication can be a highly important and effective treatment for ADHD, it is not the only option. Behavioral treatment and professional or educational accommodations can also be effective in managing symptoms and improving functioning. For some, cognitive-behavioral and other, related therapies can be useful in managing anxiety, depression, and other conditions that occur as a result of ADHD. Interestingly, stimulant medication can make behavioral and cognitive-behavioral treatments more effective. In fact, some people require medication before experiencing the positive effects of behavioral or cognitive-behavioral therapies. 
4. Medication is harmful and causes addiction: While medication can have side effects, such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, it is generally safe when used as prescribed by an experienced healthcare professional. Additionally, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD have a low risk of addiction when used properly. Some studies have evidenced decreased risk for substance use disorders when those with ADHD take medication for the condition.

What are signs of misinformation?

Misinformation may include claims that are not supported by scientific evidence or that make exaggerated promises about ADHD treatment. Misinformation may come from sources that are not credible or reputable, such as personal blogs or social media posts from individuals without professional qualifications or expertise in ADHD. Unfortunately, misinformation can also come from those with professional qualifications, who may write articles or books that are not peer-reviewed and not based on existing research. These books and articles are appealing because they provide people with ADHD and their family members with alternatives that may be more appealing than established, researched treatments. Perhaps, in time, these approaches will have research supporting them. In the meantime, they should be considered experimental and potentially ineffective or harmful. 

It is important to seek out accurate and reliable information about ADHD treatment from trusted sources, such as healthcare professionals and reputable organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institute of Mental Health.

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