Doctor's twelve questions he asks patients to determine if they have ADHD

There are a number of questions which could help indicate if an adult has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and they've been explained for you in a TikTok video.

The NHS explains that adults with ADHD will often struggle with organisation, time management, following instructions, focusing, completing tasks and coping with stress - though the condition is usually first spotted in children.

People can suffer from other symptoms though, including restlessness, a lack of concentration, and the need to act on impulse.

But if symptoms of ADHD aren't identified in earlier years, adults will likely not know if they have the disorder at all, though it can be managed through lifestyle changes, making changes at work, or through medicines.

It is fully dependant on the symptoms you're experiencing, as a health specialist will explain different methods which can be used to support you.

Why the government is reviewing ADHD and mental health diagnoses

Recently, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that he would be launching an independent review into the rising demand for ADHD, mental health, and autism services in England.

The review will investigate whether there is evidence of over-diagnosis and where the gaps in support exist, as the government stated that it was already investing in widening its available services.

However, there are issues surrounding the long waitlists for therapy, following NHS figures revealing rates of mental health issues and ADHD skyrocketing in the last two decades.

The government believes there are people on the waitlist who don't need treatment, as Streeting warned that mental health conditions are being over-diagnosed, adding: "We must look at this through a strictly clinical lens to get an evidence-based understanding... That's the only way we can ensure everyone gets timely access to accurate diagnosis and effective support."

Ministers are currently looking to cut the growing welfare bill in a separate review, with this new review set to be led by clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy, with results to be published next summer.

The number of adults aged 16 to 64 reporting mental health problems reached 22.6 percent in 2023/24, up from 17.6 percent in 2007, government sources what to establish a new baseline for diagnosis and outline what good quality care looks like.

TikTok doctor shares 12 questions that could indicate adult ADHD

Dr Ali Ajaz, known on TikTok as @draliajaz, revealed the 12 questions he asks adults to discover if they have ADHD, highlighting that while many people may answer 'yes' to them, it doesn't necessarily mean that they have the condition.

Here are the listed questions and brief explanations on why they could signal ADHD:

1. Do you have problems focusing on everyday tasks?

Struggling to get through the day can be a sign of the 'inattentive type' of ADHD, which can impact focus and organisation in particular, though the majority of people with the disorder will display symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types of the disorder.

2. Do you often zone out or lose a sense of time?

According to The Autism Service, those with ADHD are more likely to be distracted easily, with noise, clutter, or other people contributing.

Their own thoughts can also play a part, as people with the condition describe that their inner thoughts race and bounce from thought to thought, or subject to subject.

3. Do you make careless mistakes at work or with assignments?

Prioritising tasks and following instructions can be difficult for those with ADHD, as those with the condition can struggle to focus even if there aren't any external factors.

4. Do you struggle to initiate tasks and leave things to the last minute?

When it comes to time management, those with ADHD can find it quite tough, even coming across as forgetful from time to time.

5. Do you struggle to complete one task at a time?

External stimuli can play a factor in this, as any outside noise or visual distractions can easily draw the person's attention away from the task at hand.

6. Do you struggle to organise yourself?

Once again, organisation is hard as those with ADHD can struggle to keep appointments or constantly be late for school or work, due to the difficulties they find in estimating the amount of time it takes for tasks or travel.

7. Do you ever get embarrassed at how untidy your bedroom, home or workspace is?

According to Think ADHD, a messy room is common as those with the condition struggle with executive functions such as planning, prioritising and following through with tasks, which transfers over to cleaning in general, as it is also easier to become distracted.

8. Do you lose essential items on a regular basis e.g. mobile phone, keys, wallet?

Due to inattentiveness or poor working memory, it can be hard for those with ADHD to focus on placing items, as a weak working memory can struggle to remember where things were placed, in a 'out of sight, out of mind' approach.

9. Do you struggle to relax or unwind?

Struggles to relax are linked with ADHD brains being wired for stimulation, meaning they can feel restless and hard to shut down as the mind stays 'busy'.

10. Do you have problems with sleeping because your mind doesn’t switch off?

Similar to the above, a mind with racing thoughts and the tendency to jump from subject to subject can make it hard to shut off completely, even at the end of an exhausting day.

11. Do you struggle to wait your turn in queues or conversations?

Linked with impulsivity, it can lead to those with ADHD struggling to focus in conversations and butt in even when it may come across as rule, while waiting in queues can bring up the restlessness factor.

12. Do you struggle to listen when spoken to directly?

Struggles to listen or pay attention can be affected by internal thoughts or external stiumuli, especially if the conversation isn't about a topic of interest.

The questions are part of a more in-depth assessment process, with the doctor often writing up a report supported by input from people close to the person who thinks they have the disorder. This can be their partner, family, or friends.

If you think you have ADHD, it is recommended that you see your GP.