Five little-known signs you could have ADHD without even realising

There are five little-known signs that could mean you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - and they are worth keeping tabs on.

The NHS defines ADHD as 'a condition that affects people's behaviour', and in most cases, those under 12 are more likely to be diagnosed.

This is because ADHD generally involves a lack of concentration and feeling the need to act on impulse - things that are easier to identify in kids than adults.

And sometimes it takes until adulthood for people to get officially diagnosed.

Tahlia Lehmann spent most of her life ‘confused’ about why she was ‘different’ to her friends.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the Aussie, who got diagnosed when she was an adult, opened up about the little-known signs that could mean you have the disorder.

Fidgeting

In the UK, the prevalence of ADHD in adults is estimated to be between three to four percent, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Getty Stock Image)

One of these is ‘fidgeting’ - maybe you struggle to sit without tapping your feet or are always tapping a pencil on the desk or perhaps crossing and uncrossing your legs consistently while you’re sitting somewhere.

Having a bubbly personality and appearing confident

Another sign highlighted by Lehmann is masking having ADHD with a ‘bubbly personality’.

And this is followed by ‘appearing confident but feeling really anxious on the inside’.

Perhaps you have symptoms of ADHD but put on quite a front to hide it, pushing yourself to ‘mask’ how you’re really feeling when you’re with other people.

Zoning out

The NHS defines ADHD as 'a condition that affects people's behaviour' (Getty Stock Image)

The other ‘traits’ experienced by Lehmann include often zoning out and being ‘lazy’ as well as feeling burnt out a lot of the time.

The NHS also says that adults with ADHD might find they have problems with:

· Organisation and time management

· Following instructions

· Focusing and completing tasks

· Coping with stress

· Feeling restless or impatient

· Impulsiveness and risk taking

Doctors have previously warned about diagnosing yourself with ADHD just because you relate to the signs or symptoms.

"ADHD symptoms can overlap with a lot of other mental health issues and also with just normal human experience,” said Dr Melissa Shepard on TikTok.

"So, if this is something that resonates with you, doesn't automatically mean you have ADHD just means maybe it's worth talking with your doctor or therapist."

There is treatment available for ADHD to help relieve symptoms and make it less of a day-to-day problem for people.

A combination of both medicine and therapy is recommended as the best by the NHS.

It’s a good idea to have a chat with your GP if you’re an adult and reckon you may have ADHD but weren’t diagnosed as a child.

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