In his statement, Dr. Gavcar emphasized: “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in childhood. According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD is observed in 3 to 7% of school-age children. In studies conducted in our country, this rate ranges between 8.1% and 12.7%, which is above the global average. The recent increase in diagnosed cases is associated with developments in diagnostic criteria, easier access to mental health services, and increased societal awareness. However, this rise is sometimes interpreted in certain circles as ‘overdiagnosis’ or ‘pathologizing normal child behaviors,’ causing anxiety among families. It should be emphasized that ADHD is a scientifically defined health condition. Contrary to common misconceptions, ADHD is a real disorder. It manifests with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity, and has biological and genetic foundations. At the same time, parenting style or educational conditions can mitigate or exacerbate the difficulties experienced by the child. In other words, poor parenting does not cause ADHD; it only affects the process. Additionally, there are misconceptions in society that ADHD occurs only in boys or that every child with ADHD is hyperactive. In fact, ADHD can occur in both boys and girls. Not every child is hyperactive—some may be quiet, shy, or low-energy. Similarly, not every child with ADHD exhibits destructive behavior. Research shows that only about half of these children have serious behavioral problems.”

Dr. Gavcar: “ADHD Is Not Laziness and Can Be Managed With the Right Diagnosis”

Pointing out that one of the misconceptions is that children with ADHD are lazy or lack willpower, Dr. Gavcar noted that these children can focus intensely on areas they are interested in. He added that they can be very successful in sports, arts, or technical fields, stating: “Therefore, attention difficulties in other areas are often mistakenly interpreted as laziness. Medication is effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, but it is not sufficient on its own. The most effective approach involves correct diagnosis, understanding of the disorder by the individual and family, behavioral strategies, and educational support together. There is no single test that can diagnose ADHD. Diagnosis is made through detailed history-taking and comprehensive clinical evaluation. Everyone may occasionally experience inattention or forgetfulness, but this does not mean they have ADHD. For a diagnosis, symptoms must be numerous and significantly affect the person’s life. Contrary to popular belief, ADHD is a real and treatable disorder. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, the quality of life of children can be greatly improved.”