Alia Bhatt reveals she has ADHD, struggles with focus

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has disclosed that she suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which affects her ability to concentrate on tasks for extended periods.

In a recent interview, Alia Bhatt shared, "I cannot spend more than 45 minutes on a makeup set due to ADHD."

This condition compels her to keep her appearances simple at events.

The actress explained that her ADHD leads her to work quickly, urging those around her to do the same.

Reflecting on her wedding day, she mentioned her makeup artist requested two hours for her preparation, but she declined, stating, "I can't give you even an hour; I want simple makeup."

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties in sustaining attention, excessive activity, and impulsivity.

Individuals with ADHD often struggle to focus on specific tasks and may find it challenging to remain still for long periods.

Common symptoms include distractibility, forgetfulness, and interrupting conversations. ADHD is categorised into three types: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and a combined presentation of both.

The term Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is considered outdated, having previously been used to describe individuals who had attention difficulties without hyperactivity.

Today, this is referred to as predominantly inattentive ADHD.

Those with this type face challenges in concentrating, completing tasks, and adhering to instructions. Unfortunately, many children with inattentive symptoms may go undiagnosed because they do not exhibit disruptive behaviours in classroom settings.

Symptoms of inattentive ADHD encompass struggles with following conversations, focusing on details, and maintaining organisation. Individuals may experience frequent distractions, forgetfulness, and misplacement of personal belongings, leading to a short attention span.

These symptoms can evolve over time, but many individuals continue to face difficulties in attention, information retention, and organisation throughout their lives.

The hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD manifests in behaviours such as fidgeting, interrupting others, and an inability to remain still for extended periods.

Impulsivity may lead to a higher incidence of accidents and injuries compared to their peers. Young children with ADHD may display behaviours like incessant climbing, running, or jumping.

The combined type shows symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories.

In adults, hyperactivity is often less pronounced, but challenges with focus and organisational skills, referred to as executive function skills, essential for daily living, remain prevalent.

Adults may struggle with planning, organisation, and time management, which can hinder their ability to navigate responsibilities effectively.

ADHD treatment typically involves behavioural therapies, medication, or a combination of both approaches.

It is a widespread mental health disorder, with approximately 6% of children and 2.5% of adults estimated to be affected.

Historically, ADHD was thought to be limited to childhood, but research has shown that it frequently persists into adulthood.

Experts suggest that around 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms as adults.

On the work front, Alia will next appear in "Jigra," directed by Vasant Bala and produced by Dharma Movies and Eternal Sunshine Production.

The film also features Vedang Raina alongside Alia.