• [Daily Mirror Icon]
• News
• Health
• Health

Undiagnosed health condition could be to blame for your constant leg bouncing

A psychiatrist has warned that constantly bouncing your leg while sitting down could be a sign of an undiagnosed health condition - and is urging anyone who experiences it to speak to their doctor

A psychiatrist believes a common habit that many brush off as a nervous tic could actually be a telltale warning sign. Research suggests around one in four adults think they may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet only a fraction ever seek a professional diagnosis.

According to ADHD UK, those 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 spot the signs, psychiatrist Ahmed Hankir, who posts on TikTok as @proahmedhankir, outlined five common symptoms adults may encounter.

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."

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. He said: "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."

[Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns (stock)]

View Image

Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns (stock)(Image: Getty Images)

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.

He said: "Later, you're left wondering, 'Why the hell did I do that?'"

The fourth symptom is finding it difficult to focus on details, frequently leading to missed appointments, deadlines, meetings or emails.

He explained: "Forms? Emails? They become a blur. It's mentally exhausting."

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.

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.

[Daily Mirror Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.