Is there such a thing as having “symptoms of ADHD,” having some family members diagnosed with it, but others not “having” it even though presenting similar symptoms, but perhaps not at the same intensity?
Posts and comments here share personal experience — not medical advice. For treatment questions, talk to a clinician.
Remember that it’s not just a list of symptoms but also frequency, intensity and disruption to life. I hope that helps - I know it helped me when I first read the idea as a way to combat the “everyone does that” thing everyone says to ADHDers. Yes - everyone loses track of time sometimes, but an ADHD person might do it daily or even when they are purposely trying not to. It’s not a box to check so much as a scale - how often, how bad, what happens, etc.
I think so, they may not have been tested and be masking. If tested and not diagnosed, could have an alternative diagnosis or have traces of it in less intensity and not every necessary symptom. Traces of it since it is genetic but not a clinically relevant deficit in multiple areas of life. I am not a health professional, just googled the same stuff. In autism it is being researched as Broader Autism Phenotype, considering parents or family members that don't fit the diagnosis but have some of the symptoms in less intensity.
Yes a lot of neurodivergent people have issues with Executive Function! I’d say that if family members have ADHD, you probably do have it. It presents differently for everyone! I struggle with the motivation side of ADHD, whereas some of my ADHD peers have decent motivation, but struggle more with hyperactivity and restlessness. It’s always a safe bet to get tested so you can get the help you need if it turns out you do have it. :)