Could this be ADHD, something else, or just a boy being a boy?

[Renovirgin2018]

I am thinking about visiting the doctor about my 12 year old son but I don't know if I am just being stupid.

He has always been different to his older brother and sister -very demanding, obsessive and sensitive. We say he is like a puppy as he needs plenty of exercise and fresh air, otherwise he is bouncing off the walls. He is well behaved, bright and very inquisitive.

He is generally a positive and happy young man but couple of years ago he started to get really low. I remember going to see his year 4 teacher after him telling me that he sometimes felt really angry inside but didn't know why. She said she hadn't experienced any issues with him at school so I thought he must be fine.

Fast forward to now and I have had a parents evening with his teachers this week, yr 7. Each one said he is bright, inquisitive and capable but is very easily distracted and calls out in class a lot. One even said that she realises that he can't help it and what is inside his head just needs to come out. It got me thinking and so I decided to make a list of his behaviours that are not quite typical for a boy of his age:

Acutely aware of emotions - sometimes says he feels really angry but doesn't know why.
Over sensitive - to break down in tears at bedtime, because something has made him sad, is not unusual.
Short attention span.
Makes random loud noises, even when in his bedroom by himself - he says he has too much energy and sometimes needs to shout to release it.
Always full of energy - does an activity every day of the week between 1 1/2 -3 hours solid training and still has plenty of energy.
Easily distracted - described as a meercat by teacher
Shouts out and interrupts.
Needs to get what is in his head out.
Low self esteem- needs constant praise - always looking for approval from friends and family.
Takes things too far. e.g. when asked to play fetch with the dog, decided to use 3 balls at once and booted them in 3 different directions.
Cannot follow instructions without 'needing' to do something else first.

Can anyone relate to these things? I am mainly worried about his mental health and coping strategies. Does anyone have any advice?

I think there are enough unusual behaviours to warrant a visit to your GP.

I agree, go and see your GP on your own first with a list of his behaviours, if school could write a supportive note outlining his different behaviour there, e.g. what they said at parents' evening plus anything else they've noticed for you to take at that time, that would be very helpful.
Some GP's hesitate to refer without school's agreement, so that should save you bouncing from GP-school-GP.
Don't ask for a referral for any specific condition, many have traits that overlap with others, just ask for an assessment to investigate the behaviours you and school have seen and noted.

Read this www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/social-care/disabilities/docs/young-people/Making%20Sense%20of%20Sensory%20Behaviour.pdf?v=201507131117 and if he does anything that's in there, do add it to your list before seeing the GP.