ADHD decoded: Beyond distraction to daily life struggles

ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is often misunderstood as mere restlessness or lack of discipline it is far more complex mdash impacting focus emotions relationships and daily functioning Actor Kubbra Sait recently spoke about her experience living with ADHD sharing how it has affected her personal and professional life She described the challenges of staying focused and managing daily tasks while also highlighting the importance of awareness and selfacceptanceKubbra Sait talks about ADHD pics courtesykubbrasait istockMental health experts say the condition often hides in plain sight mdash misread as laziness or distraction mdash making awareness early signs and the right support crucial to managing it effectivelySigns and red flagsldquoMany patients tell me lsquoIrsquove always been like this I thought everyone felt this wayrsquo And thatrsquos usually where we startrdquo says Anureet Sethi psychologist ldquoThe signs arenrsquot always what you expect Itrsquos not just lsquocanrsquot sit stillrsquo Itrsquos starting 10 things and finishing none rereading the same paragraph multiple times and still not retaining itrdquo she explains Chronic lateness being emotionally overwhelmed and mental exhaustion despite effort are also common indicatorsRegular exercise can help retain focusAccording to Dr Pradeep Tiwari neurologist signs often begin early ldquoIn children the first thing you notice is poor attention They keep shifting from one object to another and are unable to focus on a single activity Many are extremely hyperactive and donrsquot engage with one game for longrdquo Consultant psychiatrist Dr Anuja Bendre Govilkar notes that these symptoms frequently go unnoticed ldquoChildren may struggle to sit still complete homework or wait for their turn In adults it may show up as fidgeting frequent job switches and difficulty finishing tasksrdquo she saysPsychiatrist Dr Sagar Mundada adds ldquoIn adults ADHD often presents as procrastination inability to multitask and constant restlessness You may start multiple tasks but complete none or delay work until the last momentrdquoNavigate the conditionFor many the diagnosis is the first exhale theyrsquove had in years because suddenly the struggle has a name It wasnrsquot lazinessrdquo says Sethi ldquoBut the diagnosis is a door not a destinationrdquo she adds emphasising the need to understand how ADHD uniquely shows up in each individualTackling the more difficult task first is key to avoid brain fogDr Mundada outlines a multipronged approach ldquoMedication reducing distractions like social media limiting sugar and caffeine and doing brain exercises all play a role Addressing coexisting issues like anxiety is equally importantrdquo Dr Tiwari explains that assessment is keyldquoA proper psychological evaluation is needed to confirm ADHD Once diagnosed treatment typically includes cognitive behavioural therapy which is often the most effective longterm approach Medications may also be used to manage hyperactivityrdquo he says Dr Govilkar adds ldquoClinical tools like DIVA5 help in diagnosing adults Treatment can include CBT or medication depending on the individualrsquos needsrdquoSupport systemAvoid procrastination in order to get things done quicklyDr Tiwari stresses early recognition ldquoMany parents dismiss hyperactivity as normal playfulness delaying diagnosis Problems become evident when the child starts school and cannot sit through classes or focus like othersrdquo he says Tiwari emphasises the role of family ldquoThese are not lsquonormalrsquo behavioural patterns mdash they require a different approach Children with ADHD need tailored teaching methods and guidance Parents must understand this instead of labelling the child negativelyrdquoDr Mundada echoes this ldquoWhen caregivers understand itrsquos not under voluntary control it makes a significant differencerdquo They tend to often get exhausted But what works is education before expectation reminds Sethi adding ldquoBoundaries should come from understanding not frustration This is something partners navigate togetherrdquo she addsFrom left Dr Anuja Bendre Govilkar Dr Sagar Mundada Dr Pradeep Tiwari and Anureet SethiLifestyle changesgtgt Short bursts of focused workgtgt Writing things down externallygtgt Prioritising sleepgtgt Limited smartphone usegtgt Sleeping early and rising earlygtgt Exercising regularlygtgt Breaking large tasks into smaller stepsgtgt Using the ldquoeat the frogrdquo method mdash tackling the hardest task firstDr Sagar Mundada Anureet Sethi and Dr Anuja Bendre GovilkarDifferent age different approachIn children ADHD is developmental and needs early behavioural correction and structured support In adults it may be linked with anxiety or past trauma so regulation techniques and psychiatric evaluation become importantDr Pradeep Tiwari