A doctor has shared the ‘hidden features’ of ADHD that aren’t often talked about
A doctor has shared the signs he commonly spots in people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The expert discussed the signs you might recognise as someone with ADHD – but that are often not talked about.
ADHD is a behavioural condition. The NHS states that people with ADHD may seem restless, find it difficult to focus and behave impulsively.
Symptoms of ADHD usually become apparent at a young age and can become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances alter, such as starting school. Occasionally, ADHD may not be identified during childhood, resulting in a diagnosis later in adulthood.
Dr Ali Ajaz, a consultant psychiatrist, regularly imparts information and guidance to his more than 97,600 followers on TikTok. In a recent video, he discussed six “hidden features” of ADHD that are talked about less than the ‘classic’ signs of the condition.
In the clip, he said: “Did you know ADHD has some hidden features that most people just don’t talk about? Let’s dive in. First up, hyper-focusing on enjoyable tasks.
“People with ADHD can get so deeply absorbed that they lose track of time. Now this can be helpful and considered to be a superpower by many, but it often leads to neglecting other tasks and life more generally.
“Number two, an overactive or underactive sex drive. High sex drive. For some, it’s part of that stimulation, dopamine seeking behaviour, or just a good way to help with relaxation. For others, sex can just take too much time and require just too much concentration.”
He continued: “Number three, binge eating. ADHD brains often crave stimulation, and food can be an easy way to satisfy that urge. Number four, we have rejection sensitivity. Even a small amount of criticism can feel deeply painful, leading to overthinking and withdraw from others.
“Number five, low self esteem and self doubt are very common as well, often in part stemming from years of struggling with ADHD symptoms. Either being told that you’re just not good enough and that you need to try harder, or trying as hard as you can, but often just not achieving your potential. Really, it’s a combination of both.”
He added: “Finally, number six, chronic gut symptoms. Many people with ADHD experience issues like bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhoea, mainly due to the gut brain connection. ADHD brains are often inflamed and the biggest source of inflammation is from what you put in your gut and how often you put it in.
“ADHD is more complex than it may first seem, and a diagnosis is certainly by no means a tick box exercise.”
Types of ADHD
- Predominantly inattentive: You have trouble with attention, focus, and organisation.
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive: You may feel restless or act without thinking.
- Combined: You have parts of the two other types.