ADHD and OCD: An Exposé on the Two Most Misused Health Terms Among Nigerian Youth
In recent years, mental health awareness has significantly increased, but with this increased attention comes a challenge: the misuse, misunderstanding and mislabeling of specific mental health terms. Among Nigerian youth, two of the most frequently misused terms are Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This misuse can lead to harmful misconceptions and trivialise the experiences of those who genuinely suffer from these conditions. This week, we are going to clarify what ADHD and OCD truly are and to address the common misconceptions surrounding them.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that severely interfere with daily functioning or development. It is usually diagnosed in childhood, but symptoms can persist into adulthood. Key characteristics of ADHD include:
Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, making careless mistakes, and being easily distracted.
Hyperactivity: Excessive fidgeting, restlessness, and an inability to stay seated or quiet when expected.
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting for one’s turn.
Common Misconceptions About ADHD
1. “I have ADHD because I can’t focus.”
Occasional difficulty focusing, especially when bored or uninterested, is normal and not indicative of ADHD. ADHD is diagnosed based on chronic and pervasive symptoms that significantly affect daily functioning.
2. “Only children have ADHD.”
While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, it can continue into adulthood. Many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed as children and may struggle with managing their symptoms.
3.”ADHD means you’re always hyperactive.”
ADHD can present primarily as inattentiveness (formerly known as ADD), primarily hyperactive-impulsive, or combined. Not everyone with ADHD is hyperactive.
Understanding OCD
OCD is a mental health disorder characterised by unwanted, intrusive thoughts/obsessions and repetitive behaviours or mental acts/compulsions that a person feels driven to perform. These obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming and cause significant distress or impairment.
– Obsessions: Recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that cause anxiety or distress.
– Compulsions: Repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions, often in a ritualistic manner.
Common Misconceptions About OCD
1. “I’m so OCD because I like things clean and organised.”
– Preferring cleanliness and order is not the same as having OCD. OCD involves intense, uncontrollable obsessions and compulsions that go beyond normal preferences and significantly interfere with a person’s life.
2. “OCD is just about being neat and tidy.”
– OCD can manifest in various ways, including fears of contamination, harm, symmetry, and intrusive thoughts about taboo subjects. It is definitely not limited to cleanliness or organisation.
3. “People with OCD can just stop their compulsions if they try hard enough.”
– Compulsions are performed to alleviate the distress caused by obsessions. They are not simply habits that can be stopped at will; they are part of a complex mental health disorder that often requires professional treatment.
The Impact of Misuse
The casual misuse of terms like ADHD and OCD trivialises the experiences of those who live with these disorders. They are not fanciful words/abbreviations. These are real issues and illnesses, not something any real victim is proud of or even wishes to admit in public.
Misuse can lead to:
– Stigmatisation: People with genuine diagnoses may feel misunderstood or judged, making it harder for them to seek help.
– Misdiagnosis: Misunderstanding these disorders can lead to improper self-diagnosis or misdiagnosis by others, preventing individuals from getting the appropriate treatment. The more we trivialise these disorders and make them seem normal, the more lines blur and misdiagnosis becomes the order of the day.
– Minimisation: The severity and impact of these disorders may be downplayed, leading to a lack of empathy and support for those affected.
Promoting Accurate Understanding
To combat the misuse of ADHD and OCD, especially amongst Nigerian youth, it is crucial to promote accurate information and understanding:
1. Education: Incorporate mental health education into school curriculums to provide accurate information about various disorders.
2. Awareness Campaigns: Use social media and community programs to raise awareness about the true nature of ADHD and OCD.
3. Support Systems: Encourage the development of support groups and resources for individuals with these disorders to share their experiences and receive proper guidance.
