---
title: “Is ADHD real?” What experts say when people doubt ADHD
description: Some people still question if ADHD is real or even say hurtful things like “ADHD is not real” or “ADHD is fake.” Read how three types of ADHD experts respond.
slug: is-adhd-real
author: The Understood Team
published: '2019-10-16T11:54:15.840Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/1enOfKZSJUw0JWJc6IvDHH/9531cc5003cf697170bba18aa07d8edf/g1158008142.png
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/is-adhd-real
lang: en
---

# “Is ADHD real?” What experts say when people doubt ADHD

There’s no question that [ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-adhd) is a real, biological condition. Research has shown [brain differences](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-the-brain) in people who have ADHD (sometimes called ADD) compared to those who don’t have it. But despite the data, some people still wonder: *Is ADHD real?*

Here, three people with different ADHD experiences give their answers to that question. One is an ADHD expert and clinical psychologist. Another is a mother of a child with ADHD. The third is a young adult with ADHD.

See how they respond when people question whether ADHD is a “real” condition or say that ADHD is not real.

---

Read what one parent [wishes people knew about raising a child with ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/8-things-i-wish-people-knew-about-parenting-a-child-with-adhd), and [what members of our community want people to know](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/our-community-weighs-in-20-things-parents-wish-people-knew-about-adhd). You can also download and print an [ADHD fact sheet](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-fact-sheet) to share with family members, friends and others who want — or need — to learn more about ADHD.

---

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