Shaheen Bhatt, writer and sister of Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, has initiated an important dialogue with a recent Instagram video about ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Her message was small but incredibly important: ADHD is not a personality defect, or laziness, or lack of trying. ADHD is just a different set of challenges that needs an appropriate type of support.
In her post, Bhatt also highlighted the emotional relief that can come with an ADHD diagnosis—not merely because it provides an explanation, but because it can help people realise that the struggles they have faced for years were real and were never a reflection of their worth or ability.
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But what exactly do people get wrong about ADHD?
ADHD is often reduced to being distracted, restless or unable to concentrate. In reality, it is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention regulation, impulse control, planning and executive functioning, with symptoms varying considerably from one person to another. Experts explain what separates ADHD from everyday lapses in attention and why recognising these differences matters.
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ADHD Is Not Laziness or Lack of Discipline
Dr. K K Jindal, Director – Neurology at the CK Birla Hospital®, Delhi, says ADHD is frequently mistaken for being “bad,” lazy, unfocused or undisciplined. However, it involves difficulties with attention control, impulse control, planning and executive functions.
“One of the major myths is that everyone who gets distracted or struggles to concentrate has ADHD. However, ADHD is characterised by its persistence, pervasiveness and consequences. Symptoms typically begin in childhood, persist over time, occur across different situations and interfere with everyday functioning.
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“ADHD can also present differently in different people. Some primarily experience difficulties with attention, while others have hyperactivity and impulsivity, or a combination of both. Girls and adults may also be underdiagnosed because their symptoms are not always obvious. Importantly, ADHD is diagnosed clinically and cannot be identified through a single test or questionnaire.”
ADHD is not only about unable to focus or being hyperactive
Dr. Mohini, Paediatric Physiotherapist, Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, explains that ADHD can be difficult to recognise because its features vary from person to person.
“ADHD is not simply about being unable to focus or being hyperactive. For some people, it may involve difficulties with organisation, planning, maintaining routines and managing impulsive behaviour. Others may struggle particularly with sustaining attention during tasks they find boring.
“ADHD can continue into adulthood, and what may appear to be procrastination, or poor planning can sometimes stem from executive dysfunction rather than personal neglect. These challenges may affect educational performance, workplace responsibilities, social behaviour and family relationships.
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“Diagnosis involves a detailed assessment of behaviour, symptoms, their consistency and the impact they have on a person’s everyday functioning. It requires careful observation and conversations rather than a single test.”
ADHD Needs Understanding, Not Judgment
The biggest misconception about ADHD may be the assumption that people simply need to “try harder.” As Shaheen Bhatt’s post points out, years of being labelled careless, lazy or incapable can eventually turn those external judgments into an internal voice.
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Understanding ADHD means looking beyond the behaviour and recognising the challenges underneath it. The right diagnosis can provide an explanation; the right support can help a person build strategies that work for them.
And perhaps that is the conversation that needs to move forward: not “Why can’t you just manage?” but “What support would help you manage better?”
