Dominic Lawson Says, All This ADHD Doesn't Add Up.

But that is what happens when you attempt to figure something out with only a fraction of the full equation.

On Sunday 5th of Feb, columnist Dominic Lawson asked his readers, "Are we all ADHD?" after being inspired by an interview with "newly" diagnosed comedian, Johnny Vegas, who commented that, everyone has elements of ADHD.

He went on to cast a shadow of mistrust over adult ADHD, questioning if it is a medical problem at all and suggesting celebrities are encouraging "illness identity."

What he failed to note is Vegas clearly has suffered due to his ADHD, mentally and physically - and a two-minute Google search revealed an article in 2013 where he discusses problems with insomnia, hypochondria and self-medicating his undiagnosed ADHD.

In addition, everyone really does have elements of the "ADHD symptoms" - or at least a high majority of people will. That's because ADHD traits are normal human things (being overwhelmed, impulsive, forgetful or distractible.)

It becomes ADHD when they're absolute extremes to the point of being problematic. It also includes a whole host of curious other things like time blindness and dysregulated emotional responses.

It would have been helpful to make this all clear, considering Lawson's apparent concerns about overdiagnosis.

Ritalin is also a big focus in the article and speaking of the "state-funded stimulant" prescribed to "enhance" life, Lawson interestingly comments, "we would all like some help with that."

And in fact, just like Johnny Vegas and many, many others, the ADHD person likely uses alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar and illegal drugs like cannabis instead, to help with that.

Lawson suggests adult ADHD is a drain and pressure on the state but it's undiagnosed brains that really cost society.

It would be lovely if, as is suggested, we could just de-medicalise ADHD purely with compassion and a supportive network of family and friends. That part goes a long, long way, yes. But it's not something a lot of people are privy too - ADHD in many cases can be related to some kind of trauma, you know? So family and compassion can be missing elements to begin with.

Plus, medication is proven to be truly effective in a lot of cases.

And Ritalin is really cheap to produce. Far cheaper than what it costs to "fund" a person with bad habits, ill health, unemployment etc.

So anyone feeling bad after reading Lawson's careless article, please remember ADHD can require medical intervention in order to harness it and continue with your pursuit.

The main point really is the whole ADHD picture needs looking at. From recognition, to diagnosis, to avenues of support.

Currently, as Lawson describes, "at least half the population could make a convincing case" for ADHD, in relation to the broadcasted symptoms. So why not call to make the NHS list alone just a bit more comprehensive? Ask even one ADHD adult and you'll realise it's far more than an expected range of responses or a lazy excuse.

And the point is, we shouldn't want to make a "convincing case" for a disorder.

If people are doing that, they are mainly crying out for help.

So much for compassion, Dominic.

For many reasons, there is a growing number of individuals seeking support. And maybe this latest generation's habits with social media and smartphones ARE adding to ADHD-like symptoms.

Unfortunately what Lawson fails to acknowledge is, at the moment, a diagnosis and medication is an effective solution for many and for most things from depression and anxiety to ADHD and bipolar.

It's not something we totally support either but we do recognise for plenty, they feel their only avenue is the NHS, an official label and trusted pharmaceutical companies.

In fact it pretty much is, since a UK adult is not allowed to make decisions about the drugs they use to "enhance their lives" without breaking the law.

Plus a huge majority have no choice but to join the rat-race of making ends meet, without legitimate reason to ask for a few adjustments that would be highly beneficial.

The way the whole system is set up means that yes, we need and want a label at the moment.

Making fun of the reader, instead of using clout to demand we make drastic changes is really a poor show of character. And since the approach Lawson chose to take it so damaging, we felt compelled to respond on behalf of our community.

A Different Human Design was built to promote an alternative way of viewing and managing ADHD, as well as other labels like dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism. The platform and A Different Podcast provide a place for empowerment and inspiration, promoting a full picture that includes information, experiences, perspectives and options.

So you can not only make your own mind up, but take steps to making your mind the healthiest it can be too.

However you might choose.

Lawson shares the views of Professor Sir Simon Wesley that we have "too much" awareness and more awareness will only lead to the collapse of our care system.

But rather than shy away from awareness, ignoring the problem and shaming sufferers, we need to continue making noise until change happens at the root.

How can compassion and supportive networks be achieved if people don't accept the additional struggles ADHD can impose?

Our archaic education system that pushes kids down the path of being labelled in the first place, needs shelving.

Society can reorder itself to both respect and make use of everyone's unique set of strengths and interests. For the benefit of everyone.

We could choose to stop blindly buying into trends, news, social media and raise awareness that human attention itself is being bought and sold.

The workplace can adapt to become flexible, look at the rules, check what purpose they serve - people are seriously stressed, so do something about it.

Or is this dreadful familiarity wanted?

If so, then we'll never see changes in things briefly touched upon above.

We would love to create a world where the cycles of trauma, masking and brainwashing break.

A world with ultimately no need for labels because we understand at our core that we're all the same, but different, and that's exactly how it needs to be for harmony.

The mainstream media, once again, encourages the dividing of opinion, fuelling unnecessary battles instead of being productive.

It does add up Dominic Lawson.

It adds up to reveal a disturbing picture of mass repression and suppression that includes more than just adult ADHD.

And it is an everyone thing.

If the systems are collapsing, maybe we should start to look at the foundations they're built on.

Do you view you ADHD as a medical problem?

Are you ADHD and medication-free?

Drop your advice below.