Recently in an interview, actress Alia Bhatt admitted that she has ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). ADHD is a mental disorder that affects a person's behavior, attention, and daily work.

Actress Alia Bhatt is currently promoting her new film “Jigra”. During this time, during an interview, he told about his coming under the ADHD spectrum. 31-year-old Alia told that she felt early symptoms of distraction from an early age. And finally he got an investigation done to understand the reason. However, Alia also said that she feels most focused when she is in front of the camera on the set or while spending time with her daughter Raha. ADHD can affect individuals of any age, but symptoms usually begin in childhood. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.1% of adults worldwide live with ADHD.

What does Alia say?

Alia Bhatt recently told in an interview that she has ADHD. Discussing this disorder and its symptoms, he said, “I had a habit of getting distracted from a young age. I would zone out in class or during conversations. Recently, I took a psychological test and found out that I am high on the ADHD spectrum. I have ADHD.”

Alia also revealed that when she told her friends about it, their reactions were amazing. “When I told my friends about it, they were like, 'We always knew'. This is not a new thing. But I didn't know. Then, I understood why I remain calm in front of the camera.”

She further explained that while ADHD has affected her attention span, she feels most focused when she is on set or with her daughter. She says, “Whenever I am in front of the camera, I am completely immersed in the character that I am playing. And now, after Raha, when I am with her, I remain completely focused. These are the two moments in my life where I am most calm.”

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition defined as persistent patterns of distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can affect both children and adults, but it usually develops in childhood and often continues as we age.

Children on the spectrum may have difficulty concentrating, controlling impulsive activities, and multitasking, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These symptoms can also be seen to some extent in adults.

What are the types of ADHD?

1. Inattentive:

This type is characterized by difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, disorganization, and problems completing tasks. It is also often referred to as “attention deficit (ADD).”

2. Hyperactive-impulsive:

This type is characterized by excessive restlessness, difficulty sitting still, excessive impulsivity, and disrupting others. This type is more common in young children.

3. Combined:

It has a mixture of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Individuals can experience challenges with both types, making it the most common type of ADHD.

Each type can affect daily activities, relationships, and studies or office work in different ways.

ADHD can be found not only in children but also in adults, Image: Shutterstock

Know what are the symptoms of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms)

1. Difficulty concentrating

2. Being easily distracted by external events

3. Forgetfulness in daily activities

4. Difficulty organizing or completing tasks

5. Fidgeting or restlessness

6. Difficulty sitting still or remaining quiet

7. Acting without thinking

8. Interrupting conversations or activities

9. Talking too much or responding quickly

10. Hearing loss

11. Daydreaming

There may be other symptoms in adults

1. Arriving late often

2. Forgetting things

3. Feeling uneasy

4. Difficulty managing anger

5. Impulsive behavior

6. To procrastinate

7. Getting disappointed easily

8. Feeling bored quickly

9. Difficulty concentrating while reading

10. Experiencing mood swings

11. Symptoms of depression

These symptoms can vary from person to person and can affect different areas of life, such as school, work, and social interactions. If you or someone else is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek expert advice.

Parents of children with ADHD may be at higher risk of dementia. Image: Shutterstock

What are the causes of ADHD:

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

1. Genetics:

ADHD often has a family history, which can increase the risk. If a family member has ADHD, other members are more likely to have it too. Additionally, both genes and environmental factors may contribute to the development of this condition. Timely identification and treatment is important so that its effects can be reduced.

2. Structure and working of the brain:

Differences in the size, activity, and chemical balance of certain areas of the brain, particularly areas related to attention and impulse control, may play a role in the development of ADHD. This difference affects brain functioning, which can reduce a person's ability to concentrate and control impulses. Scientific studies are helping to better understand these brain characteristics.

3. Premature birth

Being born prematurely or having low birth weight can increase the risk. Brain development may be hindered in such infants, which increases the risk of problems like ADHD. Additionally, the care and environment received in early life also play an important role in the development of these traits.

4. Exposure to environmental toxins:

Exposure to environmental toxins, especially at a young age, can affect brain development. These toxins can cause neurological problems, which can lead to the development of ADHD symptoms. These factors play an important role in the developmental process of children, hence it is essential to ensure a safe environment.

5. Factors during pregnancy:

Smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug use during pregnancy can increase the risk of ADHD in children. These substances can disrupt the brain development of the fetus, causing problems with attention and impulse control. For a healthy pregnancy, it is important to stay away from these habits so that they can have a positive impact on the development of the child.

6. Brain Injuries:

In some cases, head injury may also play a role in the development of ADHD. Severe head injuries can affect areas of the brain that are important for attention and control. After such injuries, people may have difficulty concentrating, completing tasks, and controlling impulses. It is important to seek expert advice after head injuries.

Take back control of your mental health with ADHD. Image: Shutterstock

How is it known?

The process of determining whether a person has ADHD involves several steps. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and some types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms.

To detect ADHD in children

1.Medical Examination:

The process usually begins with a medical examination, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

2. Symptoms Checklist:

A checklist is used to assess ADHD symptoms, along with talking to parents, teachers, and sometimes the child himself.

3. Review of History:

The doctor will examine the child's history of symptoms and any challenges faced in physical, mental, and emotional development.

How is ADHD diagnosed in adults

ADHD can persist beyond adulthood, and some adults may have it without any history of it. As a person ages, symptoms may manifest differently; For example, hyperactivity may appear as excessive restlessness. Challenges increase with the responsibilities of the person.

1. Medical Test and Life History:

Adults are asked about their childhood symptoms, as ADHD symptoms must occur before the age of 12. This helps the doctor understand whether the symptoms have been present for a long time or have developed recently.

2. Current Symptoms:

Five or more symptoms of attention deficit, hyperactivity, or impulsivity must be present. These symptoms may include difficulties such as difficulty concentrating, impatience, and making sudden decisions. These symptoms can have a significant impact on a person's daily life, work, and relationships, so care is necessary in identifying and diagnosing them.

3. Impact on daily life:

Symptoms must have a significant impact on work, relationships, or daily activities. If these symptoms interfere with the person's job, family life, or social activities, it is a red flag for ADHD. With timely identification and treatment, a person's quality of life can be improved.

4. Checking for other conditions:

Symptoms of ADHD can overlap with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems, so it's important to take these factors into account. This helps in correct diagnosis, as some symptoms may be similar in different conditions. A comprehensive evaluation can make the treatment plan more effective.

5. Family input and understanding of oneself:

Questionnaires are used to understand behavior and history and feedback from partners or family members. This information helps the doctor evaluate the severity of the person's symptoms and their impact. This process can be made more accurate with information received from family members, so that appropriate treatment can be selected.

remember

Dealing with ADHD can be quite challenging, especially if it is ignored. So, if you notice any symptoms, inform your doctor and maintain a healthy lifestyle.