12 questions to ask yourself if you think you have ADHD, according to a doctor

Dr. Ali Ajaz - a doctor with a niche in ADHD who makes content about the condition on social media - has revealed the questions he asks his patients to determine whether it would be worth exploring an ADHD diagnosis further. ADHD can cause a lot of life-altering symptoms which can impact you career, relationships and self-image. Whilst ADHD is known to cause symptoms such as a shortened attention span, difficulty starting tasks and being easily distracted, there are a whole host of symptoms which are less well know. So while these questions may provide a starting point, ADHD is a serious health condition that requires consultation with a medical expert (Picture: Getty Images)

Public figures such as Sheridan Smith and Kit Harrington have both helped to raise awareness after announcing that they have been diagnosed with ADHD in recent years. It especially goes undiagnosed and missed in young girls and women, with studies suggesting young boys are more likely to be allowed to show the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms that stereotypically come with ADHD, which are also more noticeable in a classroom environment. The complex condition has three subtypes: Hyperactive ADHD, Inattentive ADHD and a Combined type (Picture: Michael Tullberg/FilmMagic)

What are the 12 questions?

Dr. Ajaz's 12 questions are as follows:
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?

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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?

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ADHD diagnosis is typically made in childhood, with symptoms usually appearing before the age of 12. NHS explains that ADHD is diagnosed through an assessment with a specialist, who will talk with you or your child to find out more about any symptoms, and about family life. For children, it says: 'They’ll ask about your child’s development, such as how old they were when they learned to do things like walking or reading. The ADHD specialist will usually contact a SENCO or teacher, or both, to see how your child is doing at school. They may also ask your child to do a computer-based test to help assess their symptoms. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will discuss what this means and what happens next, including what treatment and support may be available' (Picture: Getty)

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The NHS states:
A child or young person may show signs of being inattentive, such as:• being easily distracted• finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions• forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks
They may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:• having high energy levels• fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet• talking noisily• feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they’re supposed to sit still• finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations

Dr Ali's questions target these symptoms, but are not a diagnosis. ADHD can also be linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette's, complex trauma and epilepsy, and so it can be difficult to unpick whether ADHD is the underlying cause, especially in adults who missed a diagnosis when they were younger (Picture: Getty Images)

Last year, Ben Fogle revealed he has been diagnosed with ADHD after ‘struggling with some aspects of life’. The broadcaster shared his diagnosis on social media, saying he’s not ‘fragile, just vulnerable’. He also said his own diagnosis had been hugely important : ‘I admit to my own cynicism but the reality is that I have changed neurologically,' he said. 'A recent mental health storm was the catalyst for my diagnosis. I feel different and have done for some time' (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)