ADHD in India
It is known that ADHD affects people in all countries, and of all cultures. However, the level of awareness, knowledge and treatment varies significantly between cultures. There is relatively little recognition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in India, and there are few reliable statistics about the rate of diagnosis there.
This week, the President of India, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, participated in a book release about ADHD. The book, entitled: ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, is authored by Parvathy Viswanath. Viswanath is the founder and director of the AIKYA Special School.
I am thrilled to hear that an Indian expert is providing more information to people in India about ADHD. I am also very impressed that the President of India, Abdul Kalam, participated in the release of this book. This type of high profile event will help people in India to understand and accept ADHD.
Information from an Indian expert is crucial to ensure that the information is culturally accurate, and discusses local resources and approaches.
Hopefully, this is a great step forward for the recognition and management of ADHD in India. To read a full article on this story, click here.
If you have any experience with ADHD in India, please post a comment below.
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Written by Dr. Kenny Handelman - The ADHD Doctor
To find get a FREE special report on ADD/ADHD Medication, visit: Medication Mastery
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January 10th, 2008 at 1:09 am
I read your website as I was trawling through the net trying to look for ADHD info in India.Information about ADHD in India is abysmally low. Few studies on incidence in India indicate rates of 5-10%, translate that in our country to a couple of million children, adults and their families struggling with this condition.
Being a clinical psychologist I can vouch for the fact that even among psychiatrists and educators there are low levels of information about treatment and intervention strategies, this is a disorder that is not culturally recognised.
I am encouraged by the release of the book on ADHD, I wish we could look at a concerted effort nationally.I was recently informed that the Indian Association of Rehab Professionals in partnership with MediaLab Asia is planning on starting a web portal for disabilities in India, this will hopefully provide info that will be of use to parents and professionals.
June 20th, 2008 at 4:24 am
Nice to see some information about ADHD in India. Though i handle lots of individuals with ADHD the awareness level in India is very low. We need to take some measures to spread awareness among indian parents and adults about this disorder. Awareness gives better choice which gives better results.
For more information kindly visit
http://www.neurofeedbackindia.blogspot.com
http://www.add.ask-more.com
July 24th, 2008 at 4:07 am
Hi
Im a 37 yo old woman, adopted from india now living in Sweden Europe, i found this blog and found it intr, abt this ADHD, i have adhd, and wonder abt the knowledge in india abt adhd, since i wonder IF i would have lived in India, would my “problem” find the same help i have now? or would i even have a diagnose,, or would it even show?, in a way, bec, our soceity are so diffrent, meaning, ” what you suppuse handle, act, an how to behave, do, expectaions i the society and in general life,,may not be/ARE the same in all contries,,so what if the adhd persons “problems” my not be a problem cause the person, in a certain contry with a certain way of live,,may never see or feel the problem, OR in larger or smaller cases?:)
Anna
July 28th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Hello,
Could anyone recommend a qualified clinician to assess/evaluate and treat an individual for adult attention deficit disorder in the Mumbai area?Thank you
September 1st, 2008 at 4:04 am
We are running a integrated multispeciality Center for ADD/HD in Mumbai. We diagnose these patients using psychometric evaluation and behavioral assessment. Subsequently these individuals are treated using a combination of Homeopathy, Computerised Cognitive training and Computerised Neurofeedback. Results have been really promising.
September 1st, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Hello Dr. Mody,
Thank you for your reply. How does one contact you or your office for a referral.?
Also, do you recommend medications such as Ritalin or Adheral for symptom management for adults with ADD?
Thank you.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:07 am
Ms Sarma,
You could go to our website http://www.vrudhihmc.com for any furthur assistance. Regarding medications we use only Homeopathic medications.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:59 am
Hi, Please help me understand my child.
I have two children, a daughter and a son. My daughter is perfectly alright in all aspects of her life where as my son is not. When he was 10 months old he started speaking and by one and half year he was able to speak most of the things, names etc which was a bit puzzling to us as my daughter started to speak fluently only around two and a half years. We were quite thrilled that my son was quite good at catching things. By the time he was two and a half years he was well versed with abcd…z reading all of LKG and UKG books of my daughter, reading all of the images..etc. He used to insist up on us sitting beside him to listen when he read these LKG AND UKG books. He even participated in television show for children when he was two and a half years old. But…….when he was admitted to school, he started to lose that enthusiasm to study, which is still continuing till date. Now that he is in 4th class he finds difficult to understand subtractions, additions, does not write properly, writing is not in neat…etc..etc. Otherwise, he is good at reasoning, always inquisitive and researching, never sits idle. Except for his interest to cartoons and games which he spends about half an hour each, he always try to spend his time cycling or doing some experimental works..meaning opening old electronic items, opening up toys and studying their operation..and similar things. Could any one please guide me what could be his problem and whether this can be attributed to ADD or ADHD. I even took to a Psychiatrist at Apollo in Hyderabad when he was in class I, but the doctor said, that he was quite okay, but distracted by things of his interest and will take time for him to come out of these and understand the importance of study and till then we need to be patient. But our anxiety rises as the days go by because of the fact that he is in class IV and yet does not understand addition and subtraction. I request anyone who can understand my sons problem and guide me to a doctor who can better understand his problem and help him. Please…my ph: 09246886455
September 7th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Hello ,
I am a psychotherapist based in USA.
My practice is largely with adults and hence my advice is mostly based on my extensive experience around emotional and mental disorders.
I would first start by having your son have a complete and thorough physical examination by a pediatrician including a neuro work up to rule out any medical reasons related to his presenting problems.
If the results are inconclusive I would suggest a referral to a neuro psychologist and a child psychiatrist ror a diagnostic work up which I believe would give you a lead towards a treatment plan for your son.
I hope someone reading these blogs would be able to refer you to an appropiate resource in Hyderabad.
You can in the meanwhile search the wikipedia site to learn more about mental disorders including diagnosis and treatment.The DSM-IVR book is a good resource as well.
I wish you and your son the best.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Hi, Jaya Sarma,
I am thankful for your time and suggestion. I have taken an appointment at National Institute for mentally Handicap. Thank you once again.
September 15th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Hi Everyone
I am a 29 yr old man from India. Recently I came across the ADHD stuff and I feel that I have most of the symptoms mentioned. However I dont want to presume myself. Probably I need to see a specialist who should be able to rule out other conditions. i wonder if someone can recommend a specialist in Chennai who can help me. many thanks.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Hello Ganesh,
I suggest that you visit SRU - Sri Ramachandra Mission’s hospital - deparement of mental health & meet Dr Raman - Asst Professor - dept of Psychiatry for an initial assessment. You could also see Dr KathirKaman - HOD - department of clinical Psycology who can suggest some initial assessments to provide you with a diagnosis.Please note that this a government hospital but you could always ask them for their address / location of their private practice if you would like to be seen in a better environment.
September 29th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I feel I have the same condition as ganesh. Please suggest me a psychiatris in hyderabad.