Dr. Ali Ajaz, a popular doctor on TikTok with nearly 20,000 followers, has shared his insightful 12-question checklist to help determine if adults may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In a recent TikTok video titled ’12 Questions to Help Determine if Adults Have ADHD,’ Dr. Ajaz delves into the queries he poses to his patients to identify potential symptoms of this complex neurobiological condition.
ADHD is characterized by inattentiveness, including a shortened attention span, easy distractibility, forgetfulness, and losing belongings, as well as impulsivity, such as an inability to sit still or concentrate. The hashtag #adhd has garnered over 27 billion views on TikTok alone, highlighting the widespread interest in this topic globally.
ADHD UK estimates that there are approximately 2.6 million individuals in the UK living with ADHD, with around three percent of the adult population struggling with the disorder. These individuals often experience restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and impulsive behavior.
Dr. Ajaz’s 12 questions, listed below, shed light on common indicators of ADHD:
1. Do you struggle to focus on everyday tasks?
2. Do you frequently zone out or lose track of time?
3. Do you make careless mistakes at work or with assignments?
4. Do you find it challenging to start tasks and tend to procrastinate?
5. Do you have difficulty completing one task at a time?
6. Do you struggle with organization and time management?
7. Have you ever felt embarrassed by the untidiness of your living space or workspace?
8. Do you regularly misplace essential items like your phone, keys, or wallet?
9. Do you find it hard to relax or unwind?
10. Do you experience sleep problems due to an inability to switch off your mind?
11. Do you struggle with waiting your turn in queues or conversations?
12. Do you have difficulty listening when someone speaks directly to you?
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrics, ADHD affects approximately three to four out of every 100 adults. While ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in boys during childhood, the diagnosis becomes more equal between men and women in adulthood. This shift may be because hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, which are more noticeable, are often displayed more prominently in boys during childhood.
In recent years, there has been a surge in public discussion surrounding ADHD, with numerous celebrities, including comedian Johnny Vegas and chef Heston Blumenthal, openly sharing their ADHD diagnoses. Johnny Vegas described how ADHD affects one’s ability to filter thoughts and complete simple tasks efficiently, noting that even moving a cup can turn into a monumental task due to a constant influx of ideas.
Professor Philip Asherson of King’s College London compares ADHD to autism, explaining that it exists on a spectrum, making it challenging to establish clear boundaries between what constitutes ADHD and what falls outside of its range. Professor Asherson emphasizes the need for careful assessments to avoid misdiagnoses, as an increasing number of people are seeking ADHD diagnoses, often at private clinics.
It was only in 2008 that ADHD was officially recognized in the UK as a disorder affecting adults. Previously, ADHD was considered an issue that children would outgrow. Dr. Sally Cubbin, a consultant psychiatrist, believes that an ADHD diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their struggles, as many have received treatment for other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, in the past. Notably, Sue Perkins, a former host of The Great British Bake Off, expressed how her ADHD diagnosis made everything click into place for her.
Even psychiatrists sometimes misdiagnose ADHD, mistaking it for anxiety or depression, as the disorder’s recognition in adults is relatively new. The puzzle of how ADHD affects older individuals is still being unraveled, as studies into adult ADHD were previously limited to those studying child psychology before 2008.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood, individuals must exhibit at least five symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity for six months or longer, to a degree that significantly impacts their social and occupational activities. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders (DSM) also states that these symptoms should have been present before the age of 12.
ADHD is a behavioral condition characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Around five percent of children in the US and 3.6 percent of boys and 0.85 percent of girls in the UK suffer from ADHD. Symptoms typically appear early in life and become more noticeable with age, including constant fidgeting, poor concentration, excessive movement or talking, acting without thinking, inability to handle stress, lack of danger awareness, careless mistakes, mood swings, forgetfulness, difficulty organizing tasks, starting new tasks before finishing old ones, and an inability to listen or follow instructions. Although ADHD cannot be cured, a combination of medication and therapy is often recommended to alleviate symptoms and improve daily life.
Sources: NHS Choices, ADHA UK
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