Common knowledge leads us to think that ADHD is just the inability to focus or complete a task. While that is in fact part of the diagnosis, it is not the whole thing. So many people without the disorder casually (and often) throw out that they have "serious ADD" if they are having trouble completing a paper, when in reality it's because of a lack of interest or just being lazy. The truth of the situation is, people who are clinically diagnosed with the disorder, can't focus on anything, even if it's something fun, like watching a movie, or talking with friends. It doesn't just occur when schoolwork needs to get done, or if the task is daunting or boring.
There is also this idea that you have to be extremely hyperactive in order to be diagnosed with ADHD, when that is again, not the case. Growing up, boys are typically very active and talkative, especially during school. This leads to not paying attention, but it doesn't necessarily mean that the child has a learning disorder. Just like you can't focus on multiple things at once, neither can a child who is talking to their friend instead of paying attention to the teacher. Girls are raised with the expectation that they will behave and sit quietly during class, which often leads to missed diagnoses in young girls. While they may be sitting quietly in class, they could be daydreaming, listening to another student's conversation, a clicking pen, pencil tapping, or noise outside. Then teachers wonder why they don't score well on exams, but don't make the connection.
A common misconception becoming more popular nowadays is that medications used to treat ADD/ADHD will make you smarter, or are safe for everyone. This is a HUGE problem not only in society, but especially on college campuses. Medications such as Adderall or Vyvanse are controlled substances, meaning that they must be prescribed specifically for you, and monitored by a doctor, as it is not for everyone. Being that it is a stimulant medication, it does have an effect on the brain that makes the user more mentally alert and focused. In people who are diagnosed with the disorder, it is a huge transition, but not in the way you would think. People with diagnosed ADHD are able to focus, but at the level that typical people focus at. You can still get distracted, and sometimes although you are able to focus better, you end up focusing on something other than the task you should be putting your attention towards. In people who should not be taking the medication, it is usually a very significant takeover, leaving the individual hyper focused and essentially extremely motivated. While this sounds like a great time, it is an overload of the chemicals that your brain and body normally produce. This could lead to serious heart problems, depression, and many more disorders.
Hopefully, society will become more aware of the truths of this common disorder and be more smart about not taking others medications or misdiagnosing themselves.
