“ISN’T EVERYONE A LITTLE ADHD?”
“I think I am a little ADHD” or “everyone is a little ADHD” is a comment which can infuriate the ADHD community. Here are my thoughts:
“I might be a little ADHD.”
I suspect that many more than the identified 5% of the population have ADHD. I know dozens of people who have significant ADHD traits (poor organising, unable to do things that don't interest them, messy, forgetful, fluctuating emotional regulation). If you ask them, they might even say they identify as neurodivergent. But they are lucky enough to have a life where their impairments are mitigated and it is not a significant problem.
People I know in this category include UHNW individuals, doctors, CEOs, entrepreneurs, musicians, lawyers, designers and financial advisors. They are passionate about their work, they are successful, wealthy, they have people to fill the gaps in their ability (wives, husbands, or employees), They might have enough money not to worry about impulsive spending. Maybe they drink too much, or manage their brains with exercise and meditation.
But IS everyone a little ADHD?
No - The symptoms of ADHD exist within a spectrum of human behaviour. Most people lose their keys from time to time. They tune out in meetings. They’re late to class. And they have trouble delaying gratification. But these behaviours are not the same as ADHD. They are human behaviours or experiences that occur for many reasons. With ADHD, the reason is neurological in origin. It is not a choice, a fluke, or a bad day. (ADDA. adhdawarenessmonth.org/everyone-has-little-adhd/)
Is it ADHD if it isn't a problem?
The DSM 5 would say it is not. A requirement for diagnosis is that: “There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of social, school or work functioning"
People can show all the other diagnostic criteria but, because of the support systems they have in place, their traits do not interfere significantly with their functioning. Neurodiversity might not even occur to them.
For others, they may not have impaired functioning until the demands on their life exceed their capacity to cope. This could be when they start school, move out of the family home, have children, hit menopause, or are bereaved.
Perhaps they have friends who are just like them and so don’t have a clear benchmark of whether their struggles are normal. It is a hereditary condition so it is quite likely that at least one parent would also be neurodivergent in the same way.
So is it OK to say everyone's a little ADHD?
No. It is hurtful and dismissive of the struggles someone is being brave enough to share with you. You wouldn't tell someone who was unwell with depression that everyone gets a bit depressed.
I don't think that ADHD only exists in the people who suffer the most. ADHD affects people at all levels of intelligence, education, means, personality, and background. It’s impact on function can vary significantly and in many cases be more of an advantage than a problem.
Not everyone is a little ADHD, but my theory is that many more people have ADHD than are diagnosed or identify as such.
The DSM 5 would say it is not ADHD if you have found ways to function well enough without prescribed medication. What do you think?
For transparency - I am diagnosed, and at the moment I am on medication which I find to be very helpful.
