Alia Bhatt Diagnosed with ADHD: Know Its Causes and Symptoms

Actress Alia Bhatt, who is currently promoting her recently released film Jigra with Vedang Raina, has revealed that she has been clinically diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The 31-year-old thought about the early signs of being locked out from an early age and eventually tried to run tests to determine the cause. However, Alia noted that she feels most present on set in front of the camera or while spending time with her daughter Raha. ADHD can affect people of all ages, but symptoms usually begin in childhood. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 3.1 percent of adults worldwide live with ADHD.

Alia Bhatt confirms ADHD diagnosis

In a recent interview, Alia Bhatt revealed that she has been clinically diagnosed with ADHD. Discussing the disorder and its symptoms, she said, “I was left out from an early age. I often got into trouble in class or during conversations. I recently took a psychological test and found out that I am high on the ADHD spectrum. I have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Alia also said that when she told her friends about her diagnosis, their reactions were surprisingly familiar. “When I told this to my friends, they said, ‘We always knew it.’ This is not some kind of revelation. But I didn’t know. Then I understood why I feel at peace in front of the camera.”

She went on to explain that while ADHD has affected her focus, she feels most engaged when she is on set or spending time with her daughter. “That’s when I’m most present. When I’m in front of the camera, I’m present as the character I’m playing. And now, after Raha, when I’m with her, I’m the most present. These are the two moments in my life when I am calmer.”

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What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Although the disease can affect both children and adults, it is usually diagnosed in childhood and often persists into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating, controlling impulsive actions, and controlling excessive activity levels, as noted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These symptoms can also be observed in adults to some extent.

Types of ADHD

ADHD is generally divided into three common types:

1. Inattentive: It is characterized by difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, disorganization, and difficulty completing tasks. It is often called ‘attention deficit disorder (ADD)’.
2. Hyperactive-impulsive: it is characterized by excessive fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, impulsiveness, and interrupting others. This type is more common in younger children.
3. Combined: It involves a mix of inattention and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Individuals can exhibit both types of problems, making this the most common form of ADHD.

Each type can affect daily functioning, relationships, and academic or work performance in different ways.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

Here are common ADHD symptoms in children that you should be aware of:

• Difficulty paying attention or staying focused
• Easily distracted by external stimuli
• Forgetfulness in daily activities
• Trouble organizing tasks or completing work
• Fidgeting or restlessness
• Difficulty sitting still or staying still
• Acting impulsively without thinking about the consequences
• Interrupting conversations or activities
• Excessive talking or blurting out answers
• Have poor listening skills
• Daydream a lot

ADHD symptoms in adults

Here are some common symptoms of ADHD in adults, which can evolve over time:

• Often arrives late
• Forgetting things
• A feeling of restlessness
• Difficulty controlling anger
• Impulsive behavior
• Delay
• Quick to frustration
• Tendency to get bored easily
• Difficulty concentrating while reading
• Experience mood swings
• Symptoms of depression

These symptoms can vary in intensity and can affect different areas of life, including school, work, and social interactions.

What causes ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD is not yet known, but a combination of these factors may increase the risk of this mental disorder:

• Genetics: ADHD often runs in families, which can increase the risk of its diagnosis.
• Brain structure and function: Differences in the size, activity, and chemical balance of certain brain regions, especially those involved in attention and impulse control, may also be responsible for developing ADHD.
• Premature birth: Being born prematurely or with a low birth weight can increase the risk.
• Exposure to environmental toxins: Exposure, especially at a young age, can affect brain development.
• Prenatal factors: Smoking, alcohol use, or drug abuse during pregnancy can increase the risk of ADHD in children.
• Brain injury: In some cases, head injuries may play a role.

Also read: ADHD and ADD are NOT the same. This is why you need to know the difference

How to diagnose ADHD?

Deciding whether someone has ADHD is a several-step process. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. Here’s how to diagnose ADHD.

Diagnosis of ADHD in Children:

1. Medical examination: The process often begins with a medical examination, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
2. Symptom Checklist: A checklist is usually used to assess ADHD symptoms, along with input from parents, teachers, and sometimes the child.
3. History overview: Doctors will examine the child’s history of symptoms and any problems with physical, mental, and emotional development.

Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults:

ADHD can persist into adulthood, and some adults may also suffer from it without a prior diagnosis. Symptoms may present differently as individuals age; For example, hyperactivity can manifest itself in extreme restlessness. The challenges often increase as adult responsibilities increase. Here’s how ADHD is diagnosed in adults:

1. Medical and life history: Adults are asked about their childhood symptoms, as ADHD should be evident from an early age (before age 12).
2. Current symptoms: A diagnosis requires the presence of five or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity.
3. Impact on daily life: Symptoms must significantly affect work, relationships, or daily functioning.
4. Screening for other conditions: Considering that ADHD symptoms can overlap with those of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems, these factors should be taken into account.
5. Self-reports and input from family: Questionnaires and feedback from partners or family members are often used to assess behavior and history.

Also read: ADHD management in adults: how to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

ADHD can be quite challenging to deal with, especially if left unchecked. So, make sure that if you notice any symptoms, report them to your doctor and maintain a healthy lifestyle.