Kleshas: Five Afflictions Underlying ADHD Struggles

The kleshas—avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of loss)—are fundamental mental patterns that Patanjali identified as roots of suffering. For someone with ADHD, these operate intensely. Avidya manifests as not understanding one's own brain, leading to self-blame. Asmita appears as shame about ADHD or over-identification with the diagnosis. Raga drives compulsive seeking of dopamine-producing activities. Dvesha creates avoidance of boring but necessary tasks. Abhinivesha fuels anxiety about losing control or failing. By naming these patterns, individuals gain psychological distance from them. The practice becomes observing: Am I struggling because of attention dysregulation, or because of attachment to a certain outcome? Is this task hard due to ADHD, or because I'm rejecting it through aversion? This distinction allows targeted intervention. External structure helps ADHD; psychological work addresses kleshas. Understanding both transforms ADHD from an undifferentiated struggle into specific, manageable challenges with appropriate remedies.