ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
If you need to talk to someone today, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or KIRAN on 1800-599-0019 — free, confidential, 24/7.
What is it?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention regulation, impulse control, and activity levels. It typically begins in childhood but is increasingly recognised in adults, especially those who were never diagnosed young — often because their symptoms looked like “daydreaming” or “not trying hard enough” rather than a medical condition.
ADHD isn’t about intelligence or effort; it’s about how the brain manages focus, time, and impulses.
Common signs & symptoms
- Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks, especially ones that aren’t inherently interesting
- Losing track of time, missing deadlines, chronic lateness
- Restlessness or difficulty sitting still — more visible in children, often internalised as mental restlessness in adults
- Impulsive decisions — speaking, spending, or acting without thinking through consequences
- Disorganisation: losing things, forgetting appointments, cluttered workspaces
- Difficulty following through on multi-step tasks
What it is not
Everyone loses focus or forgets things occasionally — that’s not ADHD. ADHD is a consistent pattern present across multiple areas of life (home, work, relationships) since childhood, not something that shows up only under stress or in one context.
When to seek help
If these patterns have been present since childhood and are significantly affecting work, relationships, or self-esteem, a formal evaluation by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist can clarify what’s going on and what support — behavioural strategies, therapy, or medication — might help.
Screening tools clinicians use
Clinicians commonly use instruments such as the ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) as an initial screener, alongside a detailed developmental and functional history. Diagnosis requires a full clinical evaluation, not just a questionnaire score.
How to get help
This page is for general awareness and is not a diagnostic tool. Only a qualified professional can diagnose ADHD. This platform does not provide emergency or diagnostic services — see our full Disclaimer.