
How your eyes could reveal if you have ADHD – plus 9 signs of the condition to look out for
While your vision might appear fine, a study published last month found certain characteristics at the back of the eye might point to the behavioural condition.
Scientists in South Korea trained computers to spot signs of ADHD, short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, by looking at changes in the eye.
An AI computer model was able to predict the condition with 96 per cent accuracy just by analysing images of the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, also called the retina.
The team found key signs in the retina, such as more blood vessels, thicker vessels, and smaller optic discs (how the eye connected to the brain), which could show someone has ADHD.
These eye changes may reflect how the brain develops in people with the condition since the retina is closely linked to the brain.
"Our analysis of retinal fundus photographs demonstrated potential as a noninvasive biomarker for ADHD screening," the researchers, led by a team from Yonsei University College of Medicine, wrote in their paper.
It's estimated that up to 2.6million children and adults in the UK have been diagnosed with ADHD.
While globally, around five per cent of people are thought to be affected.
It can make people seem restless and cause them to get easily distracted.
Most cases are diagnosed in children under 12, but the number of adults being diagnosed is on the rise.
Experts think this is due to a combination of increased awareness, decreased stigma, and improved access to healthcare.
Do you or your child have ADHD- Here's the NHS test as Brits waiting two years for diagnosis
For the new study, published in npj Digital Medicine, experts tested the AI model on eye images from 323 children and teens with ADHD and 323 without.
The AI system performed well in predicting ADHD and identifying key signs of the disorder, including differences in the retina and how well someone can focus their attention.
Next, the researchers want to try these tests across larger groups of people and wider age ranges.
The average age of participants in this study was 9.5 years, but ADHD can present quite differently in adults.
A faster and more accurate diagnosis could help many people get the support they need sooner.
This is important as undiagnosed ADHD has been linked to struggles at work, relationship breakdowns, and poor mental health.
"Early screening and timely intervention can improve social, familial, and academic functioning in individuals with ADHD," the researchers said.
The 9 'hidden' signs of ADHD in adults
ADHD has long been associated with naughty schoolkids who cannot sit still in class.
And that is part of it. Fidgeting, daydreaming and getting easily distracted are all symptoms of the behavioural condition, which is why it is often spotted in children.
However, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is far more complex than simply having trouble focusing.
Henry Shelford, CEO and co-founder of ADHD UK, says: 'If it isn't debilitating, it isn't ADHD.'
In recent years, social media has given rise to trends which conflate specific personality traits or single behaviours with ADHD.
You might be thinking, 'I'm always losing my keys, forgetting birthdays and I can never concentrate at work — I must have ADHD'. But it's not as simple as that.
Though these may all point to the condition, Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, says: 'The key distinction lies in how much a behaviour impacts a person's daily life.
'Genuine ADHD symptoms affect multiple areas of life - work, relationships and emotional wellbeing - whereas personality traits are typically context-dependent and less disruptive.'
ADHD UK's Henry, who has the condition himself, adds: 'Having ADHD is hard. One in ten men with ADHD and one in four women with ADHD will at some point try to take their own lives.'
So how can ADHD manifest in someone's life? While hyperactivity is a common indicator, here are nine other subtle signs:
Time blindness - losing track of time, underestimating how long tasks will take, regularly being late or excessively early
Lack of organisation - a messy home, frequently misplacing items, forgetting deadlines
Hyperfocus - becoming deeply engrossed in activities for hours
Procrastination - feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists and struggling to determine what needs your attention first so focusing on less important tasks
Heightened emotions - emotional struggles can manifest in angry outbursts, feeling flooded with joy or shutting down because you feel too much at once
Being a 'yes man' - agreeing to new projects at work or dinner dates with friends when you're already busy (a desire to please)
Impatience - interrupting people mid-conversation, finding it painful to stand in a queue, being overly-chatty
Restlessness - tapping, pacing, fidgeting or feeling restless on the inside
Easily distracted - by external things, like noises, or internal things like thoughts

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Unclench your jaw: Why everyone is grinding their teeth right now — including you
'You've worn your molars right down,' said my dentist, matter-of-factly, as she snapped the latex gloves from her hands. 'I can practically hear your jaw clicking.' I did my best not to feel offended. 'Sorry,' I mumbled, rubbing my aching massester muscles. I'm one of the 8 to 10% of the UK population that grinds their teeth in some way — and I'm betting, you are too. I'm not entirely sure when it started, but these days, I'm all-too-aware that I do it pretty much every night. I've woken myself up one-too-many times by accidentally biting down on my tongue (yes, it really hurts) and when my alarm goes off, I open my eyes with an aching jaw. The habit seeps into my waking hours too. I'll suddenly become aware that my jaw is clenched, as though that's its default position. I once heard (e.g. watched a TikTok video) that the three-finger test is a quick way to asses your jaw mobility. If you can fit three stacked fingers between your upper and lower reeth, you're in the normal range. I can only just about do it. But bruxism, the umbrella term for teeth-grinding or jaw clenching, does more than just make your jaw ache. In fact, it can cause a whole host of issues, from dental problems and headaches, to pain in the face, neck or shoulders, and TMJ disorders. To put it mildly, teeth grinding is no picnic — and it's even more annoying when you consider that you're most likely doing it subconciously. And while the current estimates would suggest that around 6.7 million Brits deal with condition, it seems to be on the rise. Post-pandemic, a USA-based 2021 survey among dentists found that 70% reported an increase in patients grinding and clenching their teeth. More recently, the hashtag #teethgrinding on TikTok has a staggering 262.9 million views, while #unclencyourjaw has 37.7 million. You can even buy tshirts and artwork on Etsy emblazoned with the phrase 'unclench your jaw'. And dentist Dr Sahil Patel, of London's Marylebone Smile Clinic, tells Metro that he's seeing an increasing number of patients displaying signs of bruxism. 'Well developed jaw muscles show as a squarer facial appearance or stronger jawline,' he explains. 'And, on the teeth themselves, bruxism causes accelerated tooth wear and breakage, making teeth look shorter, squarer and yellower. Tooth sensitivity and gum recession can also be a sign.' Why have we become a nation unable to relax our faces? While it's not always clear why people do it, stress and anxiety is a well-observed cause. 'Our patients are absoloutely more stressed than ever,' Dr Sahil says. 'They may not always disclose it to us, but we can sense when someone is stressed. We're seeing it more with younger people.' Mental Health UK's annual Burnout Report, released in January 2025, found that one in three adults either 'always or often' experience high or extreme levels of pressure or stress, while nine in 10 say they've experienced it at some point over the last year. Mind also found that women are more likely than men to experience common mental health problems (20.7% of women compared to 13.2% of men affected), with young women aged 16 to 24 at the highest risk. It's worth nothing that women are also more likely to experience bruxism, particularly when they're awake. Experts are pretty much in agreement that society is increasinly stressful. Chartered psychologist, Dr Manpreet Dhuffar-Pottiwal says we live an era of 'uncertainty and instability'. She tells Metro: 'Political unrest, economic fluctuations, and environmental crises result in an unpredictability which leaves people feeling out of control regarding their futures.' Our 'always-online' culture, particularly experienced by younger generations also doesn't help, as Dr Manpreet says we face 'technological overload.' 'Social media platforms promote curated representations of life, leading us to measure their worth against others. Additionally, urbanisation has contributed to a disconnection from nature. People confined to busy city lives miss out on the calming effects of the natural world.' Workplace pressures have changed too. 'The rise of remote work and gig economies has introduced ambiguity about job security and increased workloads,' says Dr Manpreet. 'Many young employees, striving for stability in uncertain times, experience burnout and chronic stress as they juggle multiple responsibilities. 'Rigid schedules and the lack of work-life balance lead many to neglect self-care practices.' And finally, as ever, the global pandemic plays a part. Dr Manpreet says: 'It heightened health-related anxieties, with individuals increasingly focused on personal safety. 'This ongoing concern can create a cycle of stress that affects various facets of life. 'It's no surprise that there's a growing prevalence of conditions like bruxism.' What are the options for treating jaw clenching? So, aside from taking an indefinite holiday to escape the stressors of daily life, what can we do to relieve all this tension? According to Dr Sahil, your dentist can help. 'We can't manage your stress, but we can do a few things to manage the symptoms,' he says. 'Night guards can cushion the contact between the teeth during the night, or reainers, which are thinner, are designed to keep the teeth in their position and protect from night grinding. 'They come in many different forms and materials, but the ballpark cost for these is between £250 and £500.' Alternatively, nurse prescriber and aesthetic trainer, Natalja Andrejeva, says that Botox is an 'emerging go-to solution' for teeth-grinding. 'Over the past few years, I've seen a noticeable rise in clicents seeking relief from bruxism using Botox, especially post-pandemic,' she tells Metro. 'Botox is injected into the masseter muscles to relax them. This reduces the intensity of clenching and grinding without affecting your ability to chew or speak.' The result? 'Less jaw tension, fewer headaches, and better sleep and quality of life. You'll also get a slightly slimmer jawline,' adds Natalja, founder of Face Code Aesthetic, where she offers the treatment, starting at £290. 'Typically, treatment would be required every three to six months, depending on muscle strength and individual response. 'But over time, some clients find they can space out treatments more as the habit and symptoms lessen.' Of course, the ultimate — and almost impossible solution — is to live a stress-free life. But until then, be safe in the knowledge that you're far from the only one — and don't forget to unclench your jaw. Do you have a story to share?


Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
I helped my friend through cancer - then mine came back
My appointment was late. I remember sitting in the waiting area thinking: If it's cancer, surely they wouldn't leave me hanging? Finally in the room, I expected the doctor to check my name, date of birth – but he didn't do that. Beside him were a couple of nurses, which seemed a bit overkill for my results to be nothing. That's when the doctor told me it was breast cancer. I had found a lump in my breast, close to my armpit, at the start of October half term in 2017. By December I had been scheduled for a lumpectomy. Subsequent scans and a biopsy showed the cancer hadn't spread to my lymph nodes; it was followed up with six rounds of chemotherapy, one every three weeks. I felt progressively worse as time went on. I lost my hair – it would just fall out of my head as I was walking down the hallway. I let the kids shave my head which, in the circumstances, was quite a nice way of doing it. My daughter Amelia, who was then six, plaited a piece, which she cut off and kept. I started being sick after the second session, and then the nausea started before I even got to the hospital because I knew what was coming. By session six, I ended up being admitted because I was vomiting non-stop. The next stage was radiotherapy, which I finished on August 10, 2018. It marked the end of my active treatment, and I was told I was clear of disease. The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. You should see a GP if you notice any of the following: a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples a lump or swelling in either of your armpits a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast Via NHS. Afterwards, I thought: 'Right, time to move on; to start living our best lives'. I have a group of five school-mum friends, Debbie, Natalie, Sam and Steph and we would get together, eat pizza, drink Prosecco and occasionally plan some fundraising events for breast cancer charities – starting with a 1,000 mile bike ride in September 2018. We raised about £2,500 and it was really good for me to have something positive to focus on – I'm not very good at being still. Buoyed by the cycle, we took on muddy runs – not that all of us were thrilled about it. Some of my friends really like being clean and having their nails done, but they couldn't say no to the girl who had cancer. Reaching the five year mark after diagnosis really boosted my confidence; research suggests that five years clear of disease is a big step. Taking the cancer drug Tamoxifen was a daily reminder of what I'd been through but reaching that milestone was a bit of a sigh of relief. It was around this time I noticed Debbie was a little quiet; not her normal, chatty self. We had known each other for almost a decade, since our older two kids, now both 12, were in infant school, and our younger kids, Matthew and Libby, are both eight and thick as thieves. I was about to text her but before I could, my phone pinged with a message from her, telling she had found a lump. I was floored. Obviously, it took me back to getting my diagnosis but you just don't want anyone you know to have to go through cancer. I knew how it would impact her and her children: they were older than mine when I found out, and whereas I didn't even tell my then two-year-old son, her kids would understand everything. Debbie had a lump in her neck as well as her breast and the immediate worry was that it had already spread to other organs. Waiting for her results was agony. I didn't want to be that person pestering – but I've never checked my phone quite so much as I did that day. Mercifully, Debbie's cancer hadn't spread but she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Once Debbie got a treatment plan, I wanted to support her. Childcare was at the top of the list. There were some days, in the first week after each chemo session, that were really hard to drag myself to school. It was easy for me to collect Libby when I got Matthew and bring her back to ours for tea. When she started chemo, we worked out which days she tended to feel worse, and I took Libby to school, too. Discussing the importance of being breast aware, Addie Mitchell, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, wants women to know there is no right or wrong way to check your breasts. 'It's about looking and feeling regularly so any changes can be spotted quickly,' she said. 'The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment may be. 'Whatever your age, being aware of all the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is crucial – it's not just a lump to look out for. Other changes could be a nipple becoming inverted or a change in texture of the skin. 'While most symptoms won't mean breast cancer, if you notice anything unusual for you get it checked out by your GP. 'Anyone with questions can call Breast Cancer Now's nurses free on 0808 800 6000 or visit I still do that now every Friday – it's become our little ritual – because despite having completed treatment, Debbie has been badly impacted by the side effects. People often think that once you've finished chemo, you're done and out the other side. But I found the second lump in my armpit in the May half term last year (half terms aren't good for me!) and scans revealed that not only had my cancer returned, it had spread. It was in my lungs. I found out a few hours before the school fete. Debbie was in the midst of treatment, so Libby was coming with us. I remember walking around all these stalls, paying money for anything and everything but thinking, 'Oh, God…'. I spent a fortune on the Teddy Tombola for Libby – she must have gone home with about 20 of them – knowing that Debbie's husband, Andy, couldn't argue because I had cancer, again. Sarah and Debbie are fundraising for Breast Cancer Now and the Cavell Unit at Dewsbury Hospital. You can donate here I'm now having weekly chemo sessions. I have seen some reduction in size but treatment now is just to try and keep the cancer stable. The other week at chemo someone asked how many weeks I had left. I told her that my treatment is ongoing and she replied, 'But, it can't just go on forever?' I said 'No, you're right, it can't,' and she started crying on me. The plan is just to keep going. I like to think I lived my life to the fullest before cancer, but now, when my son Matthew climbs into bed and asks to read a bit more of his book I say yes. I don't want to miss out on stuff. In some respects, because I know what lies ahead, I get the chance to live my best life. Some people will never get that. This world can be awful but I think we can all just do our own little bit to make it a little bit better. Last year, Debbie and I hosted an afternoon tea to raise money for Breast Cancer Now; we raised £12,000. We've just done another one and increased our total to £10,000. Half is going to Breast Cancer Now and the other half to the Cavell Unit at Dewsbury Hospital, where Debbie and I both had treatment. More Trending Debbie checks in with me every Monday to ask how I'm doing. But it's hard for her. My secondary diagnosis is a reminder about the risk of reoccurrence. She is having scans every year and already walking on eggshells – having the stage 4 girl up the road can't be helpful. But it's helped massively to be in each other's lives. I'm glad I could be there to support her, and likewise. We are still there for each other. View More » As told to Rosy Edwards Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: My drink was spiked – then I got a life-changing diagnosis MORE: I had high hopes for adult summer camp – then I went MORE: I escaped my ex – now our 8-year-old son is the one being abused Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MOTHER has revealed that she lost seven stone without using Mounjaro. According to Lucy, instead of injecting herself with fat jabs, she swears by three very simple and straightforward things to slim down and tone up. 2 A savvy mum has shared the three healthy habits she followed which enabled her to lose seven stone Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 2 Instead of using Mounjaro, Lucy, who is from the UK, swears by eating right and exercising to tone up Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 Posting on social media, the mum, who is from the UK, gave her followers a before and after look at her weight loss, leaving many totally stunned. Rather than forking out the cash and travelling abroad for weight loss surgery, this mother swears by eating right and exercising to get a body of dreams. And not only does she look incredible, but people are struggling to believe she is the same person as the woman in her 'before' photos. The stunner, who has slimmed down and is now '7 stone lighter' attributes her weight loss to three healthy habits - eating in a calorie deficit, walking and weight lifting. Lucy explained that she is breastfeeding, so isn't able to use Mounjaro. As a result, she took matters into her own hands on a mission to slim down and when it comes to her diet, rather than eating nothing but fruit and vegetables, she swears by a big focus on protein. She confirmed that she consumes 180g of protein every day, as well as 27g to 30g of fiber. When it comes to walking, the savvy mum stressed the importance of doing 10,000 steps every single day, which she has been doing since 1st September 2024. And when she's not walking, she's exercising in the gym. According to this content creator, who believes strongly in being consistent, if you want to feel your best and lose weight, lifting weights is key. I'm a 'former fatty' who lost 12 stone WITHOUT jabs - being slim means I don't have to eat in the car to avoid judgement This mother confirmed that she goes to the gym four times a week and does two glute focused sessions, one catered to full body exercises and another on her upper body. After putting the effort in, less than a year since kicking off her health and fitness journey, Lucy has now reached her goal weight and doesn't want to lose any more. The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss. But burning fat can be easy and mostly free. In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all... Don't skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don't ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don't stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list. Social media users gush Her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @lucy52915, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 844,000 views, 21,600 likes and 1,169 comments. Social media users were gobsmacked by Lucy's weight loss and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this. Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done TikTok user One person said: 'You can tell this is natural too. No Mounjaro and excuses here! Well done for creating new habits and not cheating. This will set you up for life.' Another added: 'That is an amazing achievement. You should be so proud of yourself.' How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake: Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels: Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings: Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety: Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake: When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage: High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism: Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being. A third commented: 'Wow you look amazing!! Well done.' At the same time, one user gushed: 'Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done.' Meanwhile, someone else gasped: 'If that's the same person fair play.' To this, Lucy wrote back and confirmed: 'Yep it's me.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club