Do you have ADHD? Doctor shares 12 questions he frequently asks patients

Life with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is completely different. There is no lens or perspective that can help one truly understand the difficulties people with the disorder face.

From inattention to hyperactivity, people have to deal with a lot of symptoms when living with ADHD and many times they fail to recognise the existence of these. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 7 million US children between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD, as per a national survey data from 2022. In many cases symptoms of the disorder are misunderstood as stressed or anxious behaviour, leaving people without a diagnosis and thus treatment. Now, a Dr Ali Ajaz, popular on TikTok and Instagram as @draliajaz, has shared 12 questions that could indicate adult ADHD. He shared that he asks these questions to clients to know if they have ADHD, highlighting that while many say 'yes' to them, it doesn't necessarily mean they have the condition. Here are the 12 questions:

Do you have problems focusing on everyday tasks?

Getting through the day while completing the tasks you assigned to yourself can be difficult and can be a sign of an 'inattentive type' of ADHD.

It impacts focus and organisation, but most people with the disorder will have symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types of the disorder.

Do you zone out often?

According to a 2018 study published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Reviews, excessive, spontaneous mind wandering is associated with ADHD. It can also cause inattention and deficient cognitive performance. As many people with the condition describe, their mind keeps bouncing from one thought to another.

Do you make careless mistakes at work or with assignments?

Prioritising tasks and completing instructions can be difficult for people with ADHD, as they struggle with attention and focus and their thoughts don't stay constant for long.

Do you struggle to initiate tasks and leave them to the last minute?

People with ADHD find it difficult to manage time. They can be forgetful with tasks or procrastinate a lot. As per a 2021 research published in Frontiers in Psychology, chronic procrastination occurred more frequently in ADHD patients.

Do you struggle to complete a task at a time?

Since people with ADHD are easily affected by minute changes in their surroundings such as sudden noise or visual distractions or even their thoughts, it can be difficult for them to take on a task and complete it within time.

Is it difficult to stay organised?

Organisation of thoughts, objects or even tasks is troublesome for people with ADHD. They can forget appointments, be late to work and face trouble in arranging their day.

Do you get embarrassed by your untidiness?

According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, hoarding disorder is associated with ADHD and it leads to people suffering from excessive clutter, difficulties discarding and excessive hoarding.

Do you lose items often?

As per a 2018 study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, many children with ADHD have working memory deficits. Working memory is a part of our short-term memory that allows us to retain current information or ongoing tasks.

Due to this, it can be hard for people with ADHD to be aware of their belongings all the time. Thus, they can struggle with losing essential items often.

Is it difficult to relax?

In ADHD, the brain is wired for stimulation and can find it difficult to rest. This can cause trouble in unwinding properly or shutting down the mind.

Do you have a problem sleeping?

With the mind racing with thoughts and tasks, getting restful enough to have a deep sleep can be difficult for those with ADHD, even after an excessively exhausting day. A 2012 study published in Nature and Science of Sleep, sleep disturbances in early childhood have been associated with increased likelihood of developing ADHD symptom later on.

Is it difficult to be patient?

Since people with ADHD deal with impulsivity, they can feel impatient in conversations and waiting for long in queues or tasks can be problematic for them. People with ADHD have trouble adapting to change, with even minor trouble upsetting them, as per a 2008 Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment study.

Do you struggle to listen when spoken to directly?

With their thoughts bouncing around and minds getting stimulated from the smallest changes in the surroundings, sticking to conversations can be difficult for them if they don't hold interest. These questions are a part of a more in-depth assessment and doctors analyse many other factors before diagnosing a person with ADHD. If you think you align with any of these questions, then consulting a doctor is ideal. Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.