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

A doctor has shared the 12 questions he puts to patients to determine if they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The condition - which is usually first spotted in children - sees people suffer from a number of different symptoms, which include restlessness, a lack of concentration and feeling the need to act on impulse.

If symptoms aren't picked up at an early age, then there's a good chance that you won't know if you have it as an adult.

According to the NHS, adults with ADHD will tend to have problems with organisation, time management, following instructions, focusing, completing tasks and coping with stress.

But while the exact cause of ADHD is unknown, research has shown that it can run in families.

ADHD can be managed with the appropriate educational support for children as well as advice for parents and affected children.

Some celebrities have spoken about having ADHD, including Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine.

Dr Ali Ajaz (@draliajaz) shares videos on TikTok about health, and one clip that went viral includes the 12 questions he uses to help determine if adults have ADHD.

He warns that although some people may resonate with the questions, it doesn’t automatically mean you have ADHD, but it could be a reason to seek a professional opinion.

The questions are:

1. Do you have problems focusing on everyday tasks?

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

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

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

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

6. Do you struggle to organise yourself?

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

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

9. Do you struggle to relax or unwind?

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

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

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

These are some of the questions Dr Ajaz asks as part of a ‘more comprehensive assessment process’ which often involves a report and input from people close to the person who may believe they have ADHD, like friends, family and partner.

Visit your GP if you believe your child or yourself has ADHD.