Indore, MP
ADHD is not about laziness or lack of willpower. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels, and effective treatments are available for both children and adults.
Recognising the Signs
If you experience any of the following, talk to a professional.
Immediate support
About 60-70% of children with ADHD continue to experience significant symptoms into adulthood. Adult ADHD looks different, less running around, more internal restlessness, chronic disorganisation, and difficulty finishing what you start. If you have always felt like you are not living up to your potential, ADHD may be the reason.
Understanding the difference
| Feature | Childhood ADHD | Adult ADHD |
|---|---|---|
| Hyperactivity | Running, climbing, inability to sit still | Internal restlessness, fidgeting, difficulty relaxing |
| Inattention | Difficulty in schoolwork, forgetting instructions | Difficulty at work, poor time management, incomplete projects |
| Impulsivity | Interrupting, difficulty waiting turns | Impulsive decisions, blurting out, spending impulsively |
| Diagnosis | Usually identified at school or by parents | Often missed, may be diagnosed with depression or anxiety instead |
| Impact | Academic difficulties, social challenges | Career underachievement, relationship strain, chronic stress |
About this Condition
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting an estimated 5-7% of children and 2-3% of adults worldwide. In India, awareness has improved significantly in recent years, but many children and adults remain undiagnosed, particularly women and girls, who often present with the inattentive subtype and are less likely to be identified.
ADHD is characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development. It is not a behavioural problem or a parenting failure. It is a biological condition involving differences in dopamine and norepinephrine signalling in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which governs executive function, attention regulation, and impulse control.
There are three presentations of ADHD:
Predominantly Inattentive, difficulty sustaining attention, frequent careless mistakes in work or schoolwork, difficulty organising tasks, losing things, being easily distracted, forgetfulness in daily activities, and difficulty following through on instructions. This presentation is often missed, especially in girls and women, because the person is not disruptive, they are just quietly struggling.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, excessive talking, difficulty waiting turns, interrupting others, and acting without thinking. This presentation is more visible and more likely to be identified in childhood.
Combined, meeting criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This is the most common presentation.
In adults, ADHD often presents differently than in childhood. Hyperactivity may decrease or be replaced by internal restlessness. Inattention and executive dysfunction tend to persist, difficulty managing time, organising tasks, completing projects, maintaining focus during meetings or reading, and following through on commitments. Adults with ADHD frequently describe a pattern of starting strong but struggling to finish, chronic underachievement relative to their potential, and difficulty maintaining relationships and employment.
The impact of undiagnosed ADHD in adults is substantial. It is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, relationship difficulties, employment instability, and traffic accidents. Many adults with ADHD have been told their whole lives that they are lazy, not trying hard enough, or that they would succeed if they just focused, which misses the point entirely.
I provide comprehensive ADHD evaluation using standardised assessment tools, clinical interviews, and collateral information. Treatment is personalised and may include medication, behavioural strategies, and psychoeducation.
Understanding the roots
ADHD is one of the most heritable psychiatric conditions. If a parent has ADHD, there is a 50-65% chance their child will have it too. Multiple genes are involved, each contributing a small amount of risk.
ADHD involves differences in brain structure and neurotransmitter function, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine pathways in the prefrontal cortex. These differences affect attention regulation, impulse control, and executive function.
Premature birth, low birth weight, prenatal exposure to tobacco or alcohol, and early childhood lead exposure are associated with increased ADHD risk. These are risk factors, not causes, most people with ADHD have none of these.
Clinical Profile
These are the most commonly reported signs.
By the numbers
Children Affected
5-7%
of children worldwide have ADHD
Source: WHO Global Burden of Disease Study
Adults Affected
2-3%
of adults worldwide have ADHD
Source: American Psychiatric Association
Underdiagnosed in Women
~75%
of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood
Source: Journal of Attention Disorders, 2020
Outcomes
Before Your Visit
Knowing what to expect can ease the anxiety of your first appointment.
The Process
A clear path from your first visit to feeling better.
A thorough 60-minute assessment using standardised tools, clinical interviews, developmental history, and collateral information. For adults, this includes exploring childhood symptoms that may have been missed.
An appropriate medication (typically a stimulant like methylphenidate) is started at a low dose and gradually titrated. I monitor both effectiveness and side effects closely during this phase.
Once medication is stabilised, the focus expands to practical strategies, organisational skills, time management, and behavioural techniques tailored to your specific challenges. For children, parent training is included.
Regular follow-ups to monitor ongoing effectiveness, adjust as needed, and support you through life transitions (school changes, career moves, relationships). ADHD management evolves as your life does.
Our Method
The first appointment is a thorough evaluation, typically 60 minutes for ADHD assessment. I use standardised rating scales, clinical interviews, and collateral information (school reports, parent or partner input) to build a complete picture. For adults, he explores the full developmental history, ADHD is a lifelong condition, so childhood symptoms must be present even if they were not recognised at the time.
Medication is the most evidence-backed treatment for ADHD. Stimulant medications (methylphenidate and amphetamine-based medications) are the first-line treatment, with response rates of 70-80%. They work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, the exact neurotransmitter systems that are underactive in ADHD. Non-stimulant options (atomoxetine, guanfacine) are available for people who cannot tolerate stimulants or who do not respond adequately.
I starts with a low dose and titrates upward based on response and side effects. Finding the right medication and dose is a collaborative process, what works for one person may not work for another. Regular follow-ups ensure the plan is adjusted as needed.
For children, parent training in behaviour management is an integral part of treatment. This teaches parents practical strategies for reinforcing positive behaviour, managing challenging behaviour, and creating structure at home. For adults, practical organisational strategies, time management techniques, and coaching around executive function are incorporated.
ADHD treatment is not just about medication. Understanding your brain, developing compensatory strategies, and building systems that work with your attention style rather than against it, these are equally important. I help patients build a toolkit that goes beyond the prescription.
Questions
Your Doctor
I provide comprehensive ADHD evaluation and treatment for both children and adults. I combine careful medication management with practical strategies for daily life, and works with patients and families to build sustainable approaches. My clinic is based in Indore and sees patients from across Madhya Pradesh.
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