‘My spectrum is quite high’: Alia Bhatt opens up about living with ADHD

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt revealed recently that she’s been diagnosed with ADHD —Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder — and during an interview with The Lallantop she shared that while her diagnosis, which came as part of a psychological test, wasn’t a surprise for her friends, it provided her with clarity about her struggles and strengths.

Reflecting on how the condition has shaped her behaviour since childhood, she recalled frequently “zoning out” of conversations. “I have been zoning out from things since childhood. I would zone out while in the classroom or in the middle of a conversation. Just recently, I took up a psychological test and after that, I realised I have ADHD; my spectrum is quite high.”

She added, “When I revealed this to my friends, they said they knew this for a long time now; it is not some big revelation because of my personality, and I was like, ‘But, I didn’t know.’”

Bhatt highlighted that ADHD influences her ability to remain fully engaged in routine activities and concentrate on a task for extended periods. However, she identified two moments in her life where she feels the most grounded and present. “I realised why I am at so much peace when I am in front of the camera. I stay present at that moment,” she said.

“I don’t know if it’s the character or what, but I am more present at that moment. And of course, after Raha, whenever I am with her, I am most present at that moment. I am at peace at these moments, and also mentally present.”

Previously, while discussing her ADHD with Allure Magazine, Bhatt had shared, “I have ADHD and don’t have interest in investing too much time. Whatever needs to happen needs to happen fast. On my wedding day, my makeup artist Puneet [B Saini] was like, ‘Alia, this time you need to give me two hours.’ I told her, ‘You’ve lost it. Especially on my wedding day, I’m not giving you two hours because I want to chill.’”

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder often associated with symptoms such as impulsivity, difficulty paying attention, and hyperactivity, according to Healthline. Though frequently diagnosed during childhood, many individuals experience its effects well into adulthood.

ADHD impacts executive functions, which can lead to challenges like procrastination, forgetfulness, and time management difficulties. However, individuals with ADHD can also experience periods of intense focus (hyperfocus), which aligns with Bhatt’s observation that she feels at peace when immersed in her work.

The science behind ADHD suggests that dopamine regulation and prefrontal cortex activity play key roles in these behaviours. These neurological factors can lead to both creative bursts and difficulty maintaining attention on less stimulating tasks. While a wide range of behaviours are associated with ADHD, some of the more common ones include:

1. Having trouble focusing on the mundane
2. Once engaged, hyper-focusing on a task to the point that they spend hours on it, often neglecting other responsibilities
3. Being forgetful
4. Having difficulty sitting still
5. Interrupting people while they’re talking
6. Displaying rejection sensitivity

People with ADHD also often miss details when studying or working because they find it hard to maintain focus when listening, reading or holding a conversation. They also have trouble organising their daily tasks and lose items frequently. They can also be easily distracted by small things happening around them.

However, the symptoms a person displays depends on the type of ADHD they have, so it’s important to remember that while this article is meant to inform you about the basics of ADHD, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.