What are the symptoms and treatment for adult ADHD?

Posted on Mon, 3 Mar 2014

Question: Hi, I am a 28 year old male residing in Hyderabad, India and I strongly suspect that I have ADHD and have had it at least since my school days. I only recently discovered the symptoms and they seem to fit me perfectly. It is really affecting my life and based on everything I have read/ talked to others suffering from the disease online, taking treatment seems to significantly improve the quality of life of those affected. Although I am scared and embarrassed, I am willing to go see a doctor for this purpose. However, I am afraid no psychiatrist/ doctor will take me seriously if I go in saying I suspect I have so and so disease. Also, I have read that there a lot of people out there who do not believe that adult ADHD is a real thing. So, I would like the recommendation of some good psychiatrists in Hyderabad who have experience in treating/ working with adult ADHD patients. Please only recommend somebody that you know is experienced/ good at this. Thank you, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Saatiish Jhuntrraa (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: go to NIMHANS Bangalore for detailed evaluation Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for choosing wwww WWW.WWWW.WW I am glad to know that people like you are so much aware and educated in mental health issues in India. You have rightly pointed out that Adult ADHD is a very very controversial entity and about half the experts still don't agree to its existence. I think you should go to NIMHANS ,Bangalore for initial evaluation . Actually there are a lot of problems in treating ADHD in India. First is lack of awareness in many psychiatrists and second is poor availability of stimulant medications . Only Methyl Phenidate is manufactured in India, that too in one formulation only . I have a special interest in ADHD in children as well as Adults. I would,t be able to tell somebody!s name in Hydrabad . There is overall very little experience in treating this disorder so naturally, very scant research . I am sure if you go to a big institute, they will take your problem seriously and try to help you Any more query is welcome Dr Saatiish Jhuntrraa

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Saatiish Jhuntrraa (13 hours later)

Dear Dr. Saatiish, Thank you for your honest answer. It is really disappointing to hear that I have to go all the way to NIMHAANS for a serious diagnosis. But it is better to hear this upfront than to go to someone who will just dismiss it. This however poses a lot of logistics issues for me. I am staying with parents for the last 6 months and with them there is a lot of stigma attached to mental health. According to them, consulting a psychiatrist is only for the crazies and the suicidal etc. I am sure you get the picture. So, I can't be open with them nor can I just take off to Bangalore. I am not sure how receptive they will be even if I have a doctor diagnosing me having the problem. Especially for a simple sounding issue like concentration when they don't/ can't experience how crippling lack of it can be. Are you aware how long will it take to diagnose the problem, once I go visit a psychiatrist? I am partly asking this to get an idea of how long I will have to stay in Bangalore, if I go there. Any suggestions on how to proceed from here are also very welcome. Once again, thank you so much for your honesty and support. Regards, R.

Answered by Dr. Saatiish Jhuntrraa (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: it will take 2-3 days to diagnose the problem Detailed Answer: Hello I think diagnosis of ADHD requires interviews from you and family members to gather as much information as possible. You may not tell your parents that you have a mental illness but can just say that you tend to forget things so I want to check if some thing can be done. It may take 2-3 days in total. Don't disclose this to anybody and just follow the advice given. Please go through the web site of NIMHANS,BANGALORE.You can go by train or air . DR SAATIISH JHUNTRRAA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Saatiish Jhuntrraa (16 minutes later)

Thank you for your help. I am closing the question now.

Answered by Dr. Saatiish Jhuntrraa (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Screen yourself on YBOCS Scale Detailed Answer: hello I suggest you to assess yourself in XXXXXXX Brown Scale for OCD and see if your symptoms fit in that. If that happens. let me know. May be you XXXXXXX t need to go to bangalore DR SAATIISH JHUNTRRAA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj