As of 2025, with increased awareness of mental health issues and the abundance of information available, it becomes imperative ; especially in the context of the Indian population – to understand what constitutes mental health concerns.
The lens through which Indians describe and evaluate behaviour as healthy or unhealthy is unique, not only when compared to Western or South Asian cultures, but also within India itself. The cultural, social, and geographical fabric of India shifts dramatically every few kilometres, creating striking variations in interpretation.
For instance, in some South Indian communities, a child who does not score well in exams may be labeled as having “low intelligence.” In contrast, in North Indian communities, the same child might be branded as “lazy” or as having a “casual attitude.” But what if the child is experiencing underlying psychological mechanisms that make learning and functioning more difficult?
One such condition is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
In India, the subtlety of ADHD symptoms often makes the disorder less noticeable. Cultural beliefs complicate the picture—for example, children are often expected to be mischievous, naughty, playful, throw tantrums, or be “difficult.” As a result, parents, caregivers, and teachers may dismiss these behaviors as “normal” rather than recognizing them as possible warning signs. Gender norms further add to this challenge: boys who are restless, impulsive, or disruptive are tolerated or excused to a certain extent. Until the behavior escalates into a major problem, it is often ignored.
From a clinical perspective, ADHD can be understood through three broad categories of symptoms:
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
Any consistent pattern of these behaviors ;lasting six months or more, observed between the ages of 4 and 12, and causing academic challenges or social impairments , requires evaluation by a licensed Mental Health Professional (psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or child psychologist).
Childhood ADHD significantly interferes with daily functioning. For example:
- A short attention span may prevent the child from following classroom lessons.
- Distractibility may cause them to abandon one task for another.
- Fidgeting, excessive talking, restlessness, forgetfulness, and difficulty in waiting for their turn are also common.
Research suggests that the prevalence of ADHD in Indian children is around 7–9%, similar to global figures. Yet, only a small fraction receive a formal diagnosis, let alone treatment. Teachers, who are often the first to observe a child’s difficulties, frequently mistake symptoms for poor parenting, lack of discipline, disinterest in studies, or even “too much screen time.” This misinterpretation further delays timely help.
Recognizing and understanding ADHD is crucial for providing timely interventions that support the holistic development of the child. Early management of symptoms can greatly improve functioning and overall well-being. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, present in both children and adults.
Remedial measures often include a combination of medication, counselling, and therapy. After proper evaluation, the treatment plan is customized according to the severity of the diagnosis and the child’s specific needs. Parent and teacher support protocols are also essential to ensure that children receive consistent guidance both at home and in school.
ADHD is not a reflection of bad parenting, laziness, or lack of intelligence, it is a legitimate neurodevelopmental condition. In the Indian context, where cultural beliefs and academic pressures often overshadow mental health awareness, children with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and left unsupported.
By shifting the narrative from labels to understanding, and from blame to timely intervention, we can give children the chance to thrive. Awareness, early diagnosis, and collaborative support between parents, teachers, and professionals are the keys to ensuring that no child is left behind simply because their mind works differently.
Neha Niharika
Consultant Clinical Psychologist