More than 2 million Brits have undiagnosed ADHD – but as it can be hard to identify in adults, many people may live with it which could then lead to various challenges
An estimated 2.25 million Brits have undiagnosed ADHD – and this could lead to various challenges for them in their daily lives. Not only this but studies suggest around 25% of adults suspect they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but a very small percentage of those actually seek professional evaluation.
ADHD UK reports “people with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day functioning and/or development” . To help you recognise key signs, psychiatrist Ahmed Hankir, who is known as @proahmedhankir on social media, has taken to TikTok to share common signs seen in adults.
He said: “ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition – and in adults, the symptoms can be a lot more subtle. Clinically, ADHD is grouped into three core symptom clusters inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.”
Breaking down the “five real signs you might notice in adulthood”, he said: “Sign one – restlessness or difficulty relaxing (hyperactivity).
“You might feel constantly on edge or like you can’t switch off -even when sitting still. Your leg’s bouncing, your mind’s racing, and relaxation feels impossible.”
For sign two, he spoke about a compulsion to interrupt others or finish their sentences – classifying this as impulsivity.
He added: “It’s not that you’re rude – you just blurt things out before thinking, or cut people off without meaning to. You realise it afterwards, but in the moment it feels automatic.”
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For sign three, he says people with ADHD tend to make rash decisions, describing this as impulsivity.
“You might suddenly change jobs, book a trip, or make a huge purchase without fully thinking it through,” he added. “Later, you’re left wondering, ‘Why the hell did I do that?'”
He added: “Sign four – difficulty paying close attention to details (Inattention). You miss things – important things. Like appointments, deadlines and meetings. Forms? Emails? They become a blur. It’s mentally exhausting.”
Finally, he says the fifth sign to watch out for is frequently starting tasks but not finishing them, saying this shows both inattention and impulsivity.
He added: “You start one task, then jump to another, and another… and end up with five open tabs and nothing finished. It’s not laziness – it’s how your brain processes attention and motivation.
“Just because you relate to some of these doesn’t mean you have ADHD. But if they’re persistent and impact your daily life, it’s worth speaking to a mental health professional for a formal assessment.”
If you suspect you have ADHD, visit your GP for an assessment. ADHD UK have put together an at-home test and you can share the results with your GP.