Six Quiet Signs That Could Suggest Undiagnosed ADHD In Adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is often associated with restless children who can’t sit still. But the reality is more complicated, especially for adults. Many people go through their entire lives without realizing their struggles with focus, impulsivity, and energy regulation are part of a medical condition.

In the UK, it’s estimated that about three to four percent of adults have ADHD, though countless others remain undiagnosed. In recent years, awareness has grown, leading to a surge in adults seeking assessments and answers.

The NHS describes ADHD as a condition where the brain functions differently, often affecting concentration, organization, and impulse control. Some adults may notice they’re constantly losing things, forgetting appointments, or starting projects they never finish.

Others might find it nearly impossible to sit still or resist the urge to speak before thinking. While those are the more familiar signs, consultant psychiatrist Dr. Ali Ajaz, who regularly shares mental health insights with his nearly 100,000 TikTok followers, points out that ADHD can also reveal itself in ways that most people wouldn’t immediately recognize.

In a recent video, Dr. Ali highlighted six “hidden signs” of ADHD that often show up in adults - sometimes misunderstood or even dismissed as personality quirks.

Hyperfocus

“Did you know ADHD has some hidden features that most people just don’t talk about?” Dr. Ali said. “Let’s dive in. First up, hyper-focusing on enjoyable tasks.”

He explained that while ADHD is known for distraction, the opposite can also happen: people may become so absorbed in something they enjoy that hours can pass without notice. It can feel like a superpower, boosting creativity or productivity, but it often means other responsibilities are ignored until it’s too late.

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Changes in sex drive

Dr. Ali also noted that ADHD can influence sexual desire - sometimes leading to an unusually high or unusually low sex drive. Those with higher levels of desire may be driven by the same dopamine-seeking patterns that fuel other impulsive behaviors.

“For others,” he said, “sex can just take too much time and require too much concentration,” leading to a lack of interest.

Binge eating

Food can easily become a coping mechanism.

"ADHD brains often crave stimulation,” he explained.

That craving can lead people to use eating - especially highly stimulating foods like sugar or carbs - as a quick way to satisfy the brain’s constant need for engagement.

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Rejection sensitivity

Dr. Ali described this as an intense emotional response to criticism or perceived disapproval.

“Even a small amount of criticism can feel deeply painful,” he said.

For some, this can lead to overthinking every interaction or to withdrawing from people altogether to avoid getting hurt.

Low self-esteem

Years of being misunderstood can take a toll.

“Low self-esteem and self-doubt are very common in people who have ADHD,” Dr. Ali explained. Many have spent years hearing they’re lazy or not trying hard enough - even when they’ve been putting in enormous effort just to keep up. “Either being told you’re just not good enough or trying as hard as you can but still not achieving your potential - really, it’s a combination of both,” he said.Pixabay

Chronic gut issues

The last sign on his list might surprise some.

“Many people with ADHD experience bloating, pain, constipation, or diarrhoea,”

Dr. Ali said, linking it to the gut-brain connection. He noted that inflammation in the body, especially from poor diet or irregular eating habits, can worsen both digestive and cognitive symptoms.

“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,” he explained.

Dr. Ali ended his clip by reminding viewers that ADHD isn’t a simple checklist. It’s a complex condition that can show up differently in everyone.

For some adults, recognizing these lesser-known signs is the first step toward understanding their own behavior and finally getting the help they’ve been missing for years.

For more information about ADHD in adults, the NHS website offers guidance on symptoms, diagnosis, and available support.