Guide
ADHD in India
It's not just "can't sit still." A guide to Executive Function, medication laws (Schedule X), and school accommodations.
1. Beyond "Naughty Child"
In India, ADHD is often dismissed as indiscipline. Clinical diagnosis looks for Executive Dysfunction—a biological challenge with the brain's management system.
The Invisible Symptoms
- Time Blindness: "5 minutes" and "1 hour" feel the same.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Intense reactions to small setbacks (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria).
- Task Paralysis: Wanting to start but physically feeling stuck.
Diagnosis in India
Gold Standard: Assessment by a Clinical Psychologist using Conners' or Vanderbilt rating scales (filled by parents & teachers).
Note: A 10-minute observation is not enough for a diagnosis.
2. School Survival Guide
Indian classrooms can be overwhelming. Here are the official and unofficial supports available.
- CBSE/ICSE Exemptions: With a formal diagnosis, students can often drop the 2nd/3rd language or choose easier subjects.
- Extra Time: Board exams allow extra time (usually 20 mins per hour) for students with ADHD/Learning Disabilities.
- Shadow Teachers: In many private metros schools, parents are allowed to hire a "Shadow Teacher" to sit with the child and help them focus/navigate social cues.
3. Medication & The Law
First-line treatments like Methylphenidate (e.g., Inspiral, Addwize) are Schedule X drugs in India.
- The "Triplicate" Rule
- Doctors must issue 3 copies of the prescription. One is retained by the doctor, one by the chemist, and one is yours.
- Strict ID Requirements
- The chemist will legally require a government ID (Aadhaar/PAN) from the person purchasing the medicine.
- Prevalence
- Recent studies (2023-24) estimate ADHD affects ~7-10% of Indian school-children, though diagnosis rates remain lower.
Note: ADHD is a lifelong neurotype. Many adults in India are now getting diagnosed in their 30s and 40s, finally understanding why they struggled. You are not "lazy" or "broken."
Next Steps