A psychiatrist is urging people who constantly bounce their legs while sitting still to speak to their doctor, as the habit could signal an undiagnosed health condition. Studies suggest around one in four adults believe they may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet only a small proportion seek a professional assessment.
ADHD Symptoms Often Overlooked in Adults
According to ADHD UK, people with ADHD display "a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day functioning and/or development." To help people recognise the signs, psychiatrist Ahmed Hankir, who posts on TikTok as @proahmedhankir, shared five common symptoms adults may experience.
He explained: "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."
Five Key Indicators of Adult ADHD
The first indicator, he said, is restlessness or an inability to unwind. "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," the psychiatrist added.
The second red flag is cutting across others mid-conversation. "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," he said.
The third sign involves making impulsive decisions, such as spontaneously booking a holiday, switching jobs or splashing out on an expensive purchase without proper consideration. "Later, you're left wondering, 'Why the hell did I do that?'" he noted.
The fourth symptom is finding it difficult to focus on details, frequently leading to missed appointments, deadlines, meetings or emails. "Forms? Emails? They become a blur. It's mentally exhausting," he explained.
Finally, he noted that many adults with ADHD begin numerous tasks but find it hard to complete any of them. "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," he concluded.
When to Seek Professional Help
Ahmed emphasised that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean someone has ADHD. He added: "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 may have ADHD, you should arrange an appointment with your GP to talk through your symptoms. ADHD UK also provides a self-assessment questionnaire that can be taken along to your doctor to help support a referral for further evaluation.
