ABSTRACT
Additional myths have been perpetuated about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially on the Internet, including the idea that fluorescent lighting, tar and pitch, soaps and detergents, disinfectants, yeast, and insect repellents can induce or worsen ADHD symptoms. A widely accepted myth is that a poor diet causes ADHD. Despite the fact that scientific studies indicate that diet does not cause ADHD and that restricted diets usually do not improve ADHD symptoms, many families with ADHD children do incorporate the use of alternative treatments including modified diets. Although individuals with the thyroid condition may manifest ADHD symptoms, generalized resistance to thyroid hormoneis not believed to cause ADHD. Collectively, genetic, heritability, neuroanatomical, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological studies point to a neurobiological basis of ADHD. Expanding on the frontal theory of ADHD, Barkley provided a comprehensive, testable, underlying model for ADHD. In addition to studies that link genetic alterations to ADHD, familial and twin studies support a hereditary basis for the disorder.
