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How should I respond if my doctor says “everyone has ADHD symptoms”? 

PostedOctober 16, 2025
UpdatedOctober 16, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Hearing a doctor say “everyone has ADHD symptoms” can feel invalidating. This form of ADHD dismissal often stems from a lack of understanding of how ADHD affects individuals differently and consistently over time.

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD

 

How It Helps to Stay Grounded 

Responding calmly and clearly can help shift the conversation toward meaningful support. 

Explain the Frequency and Impact 

It’s important to emphasise how your symptoms are not just occasional, but persistent and disruptive. Phrases like, “I understand that everyone can be forgetful, but for me it affects my ability to work or manage daily life,” can challenge minimisation ADHD without sounding confrontational. 

Clarify Misconceptions 

Acknowledge their point, then offer clarity. “Yes, many people experience distraction at times. However, my experience is chronic and significantly impacts my functioning,” can help address doctor misunderstanding ADHD. 

Ask for Further Assessment 

If the doctor remains dismissive, politely request a formal evaluation or referral. Standing firm reinforces that your concerns are valid and not simply a case of ADHD dismissal. 

Being prepared and assertive can make a difference when facing minimisation ADHD in medical settings. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to How to talk to doctors or get assessed. 

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Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Harriet Winslow, BSc
Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.