Over the past few years, awareness around Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has grown, but we are still far from adults getting the correct diagnosis due to stigma and mischaracterisation of symptoms such as inattention as personality flaws. While children get labelled ‘difficult’, adults often are termed to be ‘lazy’ and ‘careless’. Left untreated, the quality of life of individuals can be negatively impacted on a day-to-day basis.

“ADHD is a disorder of neural development in the brain with documented changes in brain structure and functioning. It’s not a simple lack of willpower. Furthermore, ADHD can co-exist with mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, depression or substance use disorders which necessitates careful consideration during diagnosis and treatment,” explains Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, consultant psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.

This World Health Day, Ajinkya and Dr Pallavi Joshi, consultant psychiatrist at Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road, provide their expert insights on recognising the often-overlooked signs of ADHD in adulthood, understanding how its presentation differs from childhood and debunking prevalent misconceptions surrounding this condition. The psychiatrists also answer significant questions on seeking an ADHD diagnosis, explain the potential negative impacts of untreated ADHD on mental health and outline essential treatment options.