ADHD Treatment in India

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals. An estimated 5% of children worldwide have ADHD. Estimates suggest that 5-8% of schoolchildren in India have ADHD, though some studies have found rates as high as 11%. This means millions of Indian children could be living with the condition. Children, with the highest rates at ages 9 (26.4%) and 10 (25%). Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. A study suggests that only 1 in 10 children with ADHD in India receives a proper diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, many adults remain undiagnosed with ADHD. With its prevalence on the rise in the country, there is an increasing need for effective ADHD treatment strategies.

In recent years, India has witnessed significant progress in the understanding and management of ADHD, both in children and adults. In this blog will delve into the various approaches and treatments available for ADHD in India. It highlights the cultural, socioeconomic, and healthcare factors that influence the choice of treatment options. From medication and psychotherapy to educational interventions and lifestyle modifications, the multifaceted landscape of ADHD treatment in India offers hope for those affected by this condition.

Let’s dive in and get better insights about ADHD treatment in India

ADHD treatment in India:

In India, ADHD treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral therapy, educational intervention and sometimes medication. Let’s look at some of the common treatment approaches to treat ADHD.

Behavioural Therapy: This is often the 1st line for ADHD treatment in India. Behavioural therapy involves teaching strategies to manage symptoms, improve focus and control impulsive behaviour. It involves cognitive-behavioural therapy, which helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

• Parent Training: Parent training programs are designed to educate parents about ADHD. They also teach effective parenting techniques. 
• School Interventions: Teachers and school counselors may implement strategies to support students with ADHD. 
• Medications: In cases where behavioural therapy alone is insufficient, medication may be prescribed.
• Psychosocial Support: Support groups and counseling services can be valuable for individuals with ADHD and their families. These resources provide emotional support, education, and coping strategies for managing the challenges associated with ADHD.

ADHD hospitals in India

1. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute

Address: Rao Saheb, Rao Saheb Achutrao Patwardhan Marg, Four Bungalows, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053

Established year: 1990

Beds: 750

Services offered: 

• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is a leading hospital in India, known for its medical research and treatment of various medical conditions. The hospital has highly qualified doctors and state-of-the-art facilities. They offer various medical services, including cardiology, neurology, oncology and orthopaedics. Their specialized departments cover various areas like Cardiac care, Oncology, Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Gastroenterology, Pediatrics and Psychiatry.
• This hospital is known for its comprehensive psychiatric services and has a team of experienced psychiatrists specialising in ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

2. Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre

Address: A-791, A-791, Bandra Reclamation Rd, General Arunkumar Vaidya Nagar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India

Established year: 1997

Beds: 323

Doctors: 300 +

Services offered:

• The hospital offers a wide range of medical services. These include Cardiac care, Oncology, Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Gastroenterology, Pediatrics and Psychiatry.
• It has a department of psychiatry that offers services for ADHD diagnosis and management. They also have a department for associated mental health services that aid in ADHD treatment.

3. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)

Address: Ansari Nagar, New Delhi - 110029, India

Year Established: 1956

Beds: 2478

Services:

• AIIMS is one of the premier medical institutions in India and is known for its expertise in various medical specialities, including psychiatry. It offers a comprehensive range of medical services across various specialties and super-specialties. These include Internal Medicine and general surgery, Paediatrics, Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dentistry, Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation and Emergency Medicine.
• AIIMS Delhi has a dedicated Child Neurology Division, which includes expertise in diagnosing and managing ADHD. The division offers services like comprehensive clinical assessment by experienced child neurologists and psychologists. 
• It further offers diagnostic tests like neuroimaging and neuropsychological evaluations. Individualised treatment plans may include medication, therapy, and educational interventions. Apart from this, there are also family counselling and support groups.

4. Fortis Healthcare

Address: AA-299, Shaheed Udham Singh Marg, AA Block, Poorbi Shalimar Bag, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, 110088, India. 

Established: 2010 

Beds: 262

Services: 

• It is a multi-super speciality hospital. It has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors in various specialities. These include Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Urology, Paediatrics, General Surgery and Gynaecology. The hospital also offers a wide range of services like Emergency care, Outpatient services, Inpatient care, Diagnostic services, Surgical services, Critical care and Rehabilitation. 
• The Department of Psychiatry has expertise in managing various mental health conditions, including ADHD. They have specialised departments for psychiatry and mental health. They offer services for ADHD diagnosis and management.

5. MIOT International

Address: MIOT International Hospital, 87 TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028, India

Established: 1994

Beds: 750

Doctors: 500+

Services:

MIOT International Chennai is a multi-speciality hospital offering a wide range of services. They include Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement Surgery, Spine surgery, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nephrology, Urology, Pulmonology, Endocrinology, Diabetes Management, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Cosmetic Surgery, Liver Transplant, Kidney Transplant and Bone Marrow Transplant. 

MIOT International Chennai is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), a prestigious international healthcare accreditation organisation. It has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, many of whom are internationally trained.

The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and infrastructure.

MIOT International Chennai has a dedicated Department of Child Neurology and Developmental Pediatrics, which caters to children with ADHD. The department offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services. These include Clinical assessment by experienced child neurologists and psychologists, Neuropsychological testing, Electroencephalogram (EEG), Medication management, and behavioural therapy. It also offers family counselling and support groups.

6. Apollo Hospital

Address: Greams Lane, 21, Greams Rd, Thousand Lights West, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006, India.

Established: 1983

Services:

Apollo Hospitals' child neurology departments can diagnose ADHD through clinical assessments, psychological evaluations, and neuropsychological testing. The treatment plans for ADHD involve a combination of medication, behavioural therapy and educational interventions. Apollo Hospitals' psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists work with the patients to develop a personalised treatment plan. Also, it is noteworthy that some Apollo Hospitals branches, like Apollo Children's Hospital, have dedicated ADHD clinics or specialists.

7. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)

Address: Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029, India.

Established: 1974

It is a renowned centre for neurology and psychiatry. It is known for excellence in mental health and neurosciences. Provides best treatment and research in neurology and psychiatry. Specialises in a wide range of neurological disorders. It is known for its advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. Offers various specialised services, including in-patient, out-patient, and community-based care. 

Specialized Services for ADHD: 

They have a dedicated Department of Psychiatry, which provides specialised care for various psychiatric disorders, including ADHD. NIMHANS offers comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options for individuals with ADHD, including medication management, psychotherapy and behavioural interventions. The institute is renowned for its multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge research in mental health.

ADHD Doctors in India

1. Dr Shweta Nair

Specialisation: Paediatrician

Experience: 10 years

 Services: 

• She is a Pediatric Development and Behavioural medicine Specialist and Paediatrician.
• She provides various services, including development assessment and growth and development evaluation of infants and children. 
• She uses various diagnostic techniques to provide accurate diagnoses for her patients. 
• Works closely with parents while conducting physical exams and lab tests to determine the cause of a child's symptoms. She then develops customised treatment plans along with medication or advanced therapies.
• Specialises in treating complex conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy and developmental delays.

Associated with Hospitals: Apollo Hospitals and Khushi Child Development Center

2. Dr Atul Aswani

Specialisation: Psychiatrist

Experience: 15 years 

Services: 

• He is a counselling psychologist
• Addiction psychiatry, adolescent & child psychiatrist neuropsychiatry, adult psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry 
• Renowned for his ethical practices and post-treatment patient care
• His treatment style is fact-based and patient-oriented 

Specialises:  ADHD, headaches and adolescent and child psychiatry

Associated with Hospitals: Ivy Clinic

3. Dr. Rajesh Kumar

Specialisation: Psychiatrist

Experience: 13+ years 

Services: 

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Emotional crisis management, Internet addiction, Headache and Migraine, Epilepsy, Sleep Disorder, De-addiction, Sexual Disorder, Marital & relationship crisis management, 
• He also specialises in various Modern Therapies like TMS,
• He also specialises in bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder
• Specialises in ADHD
• Established the Udgam clinic for  mental health problems 

Associated with Hospitals: Founder, Udgam Clinic

4. Dr Manish Sarkar 

Specialisation: Psychiatrist

Experience: 12+ years 

Services: 

• Expert at handling a broad range of psychiatric disorders 
• His expertise includes administering r-TMS
• Adept in pharmacological management of all types of psychiatric disorders such as substance dependence disorders, Adult psychiatric disorders, Child & Geriatric psychiatric disorders 
• Offers residential rehabilitation programs for alcohol and drug addiction

Specialises:  

• Specialises in ADHD treatment in children
• Established the Ehsaas clinic for  mental health issues

Associated with Hospitals: Founder, Ehsaas Clinic

5. Dr. Eash Hoskote

Specialisation: Paediatrician

Experience: 27+ years 

Services: 

• Adult ADHD, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders

Specialises:  

• He develops personalised treatment plans that address both the core symptoms of ADHD and any co-occurring conditions.

Associated with Hospitals: Drishti Hospitals, Ovum Hospitals

6. Dr. Sarbari Gupta

Specialisation: Psychiatrist

Experience: 23+ years 

Services: 

• Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Adult ADHD, Developmental Disorders, Learning Disabilities

Specialises:  

• Specialises in ADHD, Preventive Healthcare, Growth and development
• Works with children, adolescents and adults with ADHD

Associated with Hospitals: Ovum Hospitals

7. Dr. Vasantha Jayaram

Specialisation: Psychiatry

Experience: 42 years 

Services: 

• Adult & Child Psychiatry, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Specialises:  

• Specialises in ADHD treatment
• She emphasises understanding the root causes of ADHD 
• Then, she creates personalised and holistic treatment plans 

Associated with Hospitals: The Cadence Clinic

8. Dr. Priya Chandrasekar

Specialisation: Psychiatry

Experience: 30 years 

Services: 

• Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mood Disorders

Specialises:  

• She has immense expertise in diagnosing and managing ADHD in children and adolescents. 
• She collaborates, working closely with parents and educators to develop effective interventions. 

Associated with Hospitals: The Cadence Clinic

9. Dr. Vikram Akavaram

Specialisation: Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatrist

Experience: 16 years 

Services: 

• Treated over 1000+ patients 
• Expert in treating quality behavioural health and neuropsychiatric services.

Specialises:  

• Expert in treating ADHD in children and adolescents. 

Associated with Hospitals: Helium Mind Centre

10. Dr. Praveen Kumar Chintapati

Specialisation: Psychiatrist and Neuropsychiatrist

Experience: 28 years 

Services: 

• Psychomotor, Unexplained Physical Symptoms, Sexologist, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Nicotine/Tobacco (Smoking) De-addiction Treatment

Specialises:  

• Expert in treating ADHD in children and adolescents. 

Associated with Hospitals: Tranquilminds

How do you select the hospital for ADHD treatment?

• Expertise: Look for hospitals with psychiatrists specialising in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. 
• Comprehensive Care: Opt for hospitals that offer a multidisciplinary approach to ADHD treatment, including medication management, behavioural therapy, and counselling.
• Accessibility: Location of the hospital and its accessibility
• Patient Reviews: Check patient reviews and testimonials 
• Insurance: Check your insurance plan to minimise out-of-pocket expenses.

Cost of ADHD treatment in India

The cost of ADHD treatment in India can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• Location: Treatment costs are higher in major cities than in smaller towns and rural areas.
• Type of provider: Consulting a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist typically costs more than seeing a general physician.
• Treatment approach: Medication-based treatment is generally less expensive than therapy-based treatment. However, therapy is often seen as an essential part of a comprehensive treatment plan, and the cost can add up over time.
• Severity of ADHD: More severe cases may require more intensive treatment, which can lead to higher costs.
• Health insurance: If you have health insurance, it may cover some or all of the costs of ADHD treatment. However, it's important to check your specific policy for details.
   

Here's a general breakdown of the costs you can expect:

• Doctor consultation: Rs. 500-1,500 per session
• Psychological assessment: Rs. 2,000-5,000
• Therapy: Rs. 1,000-2,000 per session
• Medication: Rs. 50-200 per month
  Additional costs:
• Diagnostic tests: EEG, QEEG, or other tests may be recommended, costing Rs. 2,000-5,000 each.
• Support groups or educational workshops: These can range from Rs. 500-2,000 per session.

Explore the cost of ADHD treatment globally

FAQs

What are the common treatment options for ADHD in India?

Common treatment options in India include medication (such as stimulants and non-stimulants), behavioural therapy, parent education and training, classroom accommodations, and lifestyle modifications.

Are medications for ADHD readily available in India?

Yes, medications for ADHD are available in India, but they typically require a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.

Are there any alternative or complementary treatments available for ADHD in India?

Some alternative or complementary treatments may include dietary modifications, herbal supplements, neurofeedback, mindfulness practices, and yoga. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any alternative treatments.

How can I find a qualified healthcare professional for ADHD diagnosis and treatment in India?

You can start by consulting with a psychiatrist, pediatrician, or neurologist who specializes in ADHD. It's crucial to find a healthcare professional who has experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD specifically.

Is behavioral therapy available for ADHD in India?

Yes, behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and parent training, is available in India. These therapies can help individuals with ADHD learn coping strategies, organizational skills, and impulse control.

Are there support groups or resources available for individuals and families dealing with ADHD in India?

Yes, there are support groups, online forums, and resources available for individuals and families affected by ADHD in India. These resources can provide valuable information, guidance, and support.

Does insurance cover the cost of ADHD treatment in India?

Coverage for ADHD treatment may vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy. It's essential to check with your insurance provider to understand what services are covered under your plan.

What special considerations should be kept in mind for children with ADHD?

Educational requirements and societal challenges should be kept in mind.                                                                                                          

References:

https://applications.emro.who.int/docs/EMRPUB_leaflet_2019_mnh_214_en.pdf