Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

Ankita Jagtiani
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • EVERY TWO MONTHS

Attention Deficit Hyper Desi is India’s first podcast that explores ADHD through a Desi lens. It breaks down what living with ADHD actually looks like in Indian households, without medical jargon, but with real stories, relatable chaos, and the quirks of daily life many Desis experience. The podcast embraces interruptions, overthinking, hyperfocus on the wrong things, and the dopamine that sometimes saves the day. For anyone looking to understand, normalize, and navigate ADHD in a Desi context, Attention Deficit Hyper Desi is the space to listen, learn, and relate.

Episodes

  1. Episode 8: ADHD and Autism Explained | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    2 DAYS AGO

    Episode 8: ADHD and Autism Explained | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    In this season finale of Attention Deficit Hyper Desi, Coach Ankita Jagtiani Dadachanji is joined by Dr. Vibha Krishnamurthy, developmental pediatrician and founder of Ummeed Child Development Centre, to talk about ADHD and autism in children in the Indian context. Across many Desi households, behaviours like restlessness, inattention, or emotional outbursts are often seen as bad manners, poor discipline, or parenting gaps. At the same time, awareness around autism spectrum and ADHD is growing, but often without a clear understanding of how ADHD and autism diagnosis works in real-life settings. This episode explores how early signs of ADHD autism are identified, misunderstood, or sometimes missed altogether. The conversation looks at the overlap between the two, the role of masking (especially in girls), and how school systems, parenting styles, and cultural expectations can shape a child’s experience of being different—often carrying into ADHD and autism in adults later in life. Grounded in clinical experience and real-life observations, this episode explores how children with ADHD and autism navigate the world, what support actually helps, and why shifting from “fixing behaviour” to understanding the child can make all the difference.

    42 min
  2. Episode 7: ADHD & Addiction | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    13 APR

    Episode 7: ADHD & Addiction | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    In this episode of Attention Deficit Hyper Desi, Coach Ankita Jagtiani Dadachanji is joined by Dr. Azhar Hakim, addiction therapist and founder of Mindset Wellness & Healing, to talk about ADHD and addiction in the Indian context. Across Indian households, addiction is often seen through the lens of discipline, bad company, or poor choices. At the same time, conversations around ADHD remain limited, with many behaviours misunderstood or dismissed without recognising the neurological patterns behind them. This episode explores the intersection of ADHD and addiction. The conversation looks at how ADHD traits like impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and low dopamine levels can increase vulnerability to addictive behaviours, and why addiction is not simply a matter of willpower. It also unpacks how substance use and behavioural addictions can develop, often quietly, and how they are frequently misread by families and individuals alike. Grounded in real experiences and clinical insight, this episode looks at how addiction forms, how recovery works, and why support systems, structure, and self-awareness play a critical role in long-term change, especially for individuals with ADHD navigating these challenges. This episode is relevant for anyone looking to better understand ADHD, addiction, mental health in India, and the connection between neurological patterns and behaviour. #ADHDIndia #ADHD #ADHDAwareness #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #ADHDAndAddiction #MentalHealthIndia #IndianMentalHealth #Dopamine #ADHDSupport #Neurodiversity #BehaviouralAddiction #SubstanceUse #MentalHealthAwareness #ADHDInAdults #IndianPodcast #DesiPodcast #Mindset #Healing #ADHDEducation

    1hr 11min
  3. Episode 6: ADHD & Supplements | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    20 MAR

    Episode 6: ADHD & Supplements | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    In this episode of Attention Deficit Hyper Desi, Coach Ankita Jagtiani Dadachanji is joined by Shivam Hingorani, founder of Ace Blend, to talk about ADHD and supplements in the Indian context.Across Desi households, supplements are often viewed with suspicion, either dismissed as unnecessary or treated as something that should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. At the same time, the modern wellness industry is flooded with focus powders, nootropic coffees, magnesium blends, and other products promising better sleep, sharper focus, and improved energy.This episode explores the space between these two extremes. The conversation looks at how supplements actually work, where science meets marketing, and why adults with ADHD are increasingly curious about nutrients that support focus, sleep, and recovery. It also explores how supplements are being used alongside routines, coaching, and therapy as part of a broader toolkit for managing ADHD.Grounded in curiosity rather than hype, this episode looks at how supplements fit into the larger ADHD toolkit alongside routines, therapy, and self-awareness, and why understanding the science matters more than chasing trends.

    39 min
  4. Episode 5: ADHD & Relationships | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    27 FEB

    Episode 5: ADHD & Relationships | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    In this episode of Attention Deficit Hyper Desi, Coach Ankita Jagtiani Dadachanji is joined by certified speech-language pathologist and couples counsellor Marzia Masckati to explore how ADHD shows up in romantic relationships and family life. In many Desi households, ADHD traits are often mistaken for laziness, carelessness, or “naughtiness.” While this may seem harmless in childhood, these misunderstandings can grow into conflict, hurt, and emotional distance in adult relationships. This episode looks at how ADHD affects communication, trust, emotional reactions, and everyday responsibilities between partners. The conversation explores why ADHD is often masked in adulthood, how executive dysfunction shows up when couples start living together, and why patterns like forgetfulness, indecision, impulsivity, and emotional overwhelm can be mistaken for not caring. It also looks at joint family dynamics, late diagnoses, parenting stress, and why communication can feel especially difficult in the Indian context. Honest, empathetic, and culturally grounded, this episode reframes ADHD not as a relationship problem, but as an opportunity to build deeper understanding, empathy, and connection.

    55 min
  5. Episode 4: ADHD & Nutrition (Part 2) | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    6 FEB

    Episode 4: ADHD & Nutrition (Part 2) | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    In this episode of Attention Deficit Hyper Desi, Coach Ankita Jagtiani Dadachanji continues her conversation with Mumbai-based consultant nutritionist Ishita Bhatia Mehta to explore the deeper links between ADHD, food habits, and eating patterns. This part of the conversation looks at protein, supplements, hydration, meal planning, and why structure around food can be especially helpful for ADHD brains. It breaks down common conversations around omega-3, vitamin D, protein shakes, and whether these actually improve focus and emotional regulation, or if correcting deficiencies and building consistent eating rhythms matter more. The episode also highlights practical challenges like forgetting to drink water, struggling with grocery planning, difficulty cooking daily, and how small systems can make nutrition more accessible without overwhelm or shame. Importantly, this conversation addresses the strong overlap between ADHD and eating disorders, why nearly 1 in 5 individuals with ADHD may struggle with disordered eating, and how impulsivity, sensory sensitivities, emotional dysregulation, and dopamine-seeking behaviours can all show up through food. Grounded, practical, and stigma-free, this episode helps Desi adults with ADHD rethink not just what they eat, but how they relate to food, hydration, and self-care in everyday life.

    25 min
  6. Episode 4: ADHD & Nutrition (Part 1) | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    2 FEB

    Episode 4: ADHD & Nutrition (Part 1) | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    In this episode of Attention Deficit Hyper Desi, Coach Ankita Jagtiani Dadachanji is joined by Mumbai-based consultant nutritionist Ishita Bhatia Mehta to talk about ADHD and our relationship with food in the Desi context. From “finish everything on your plate” to “eat fresh only” and “don’t waste food,” this conversation unpacks how well-meaning cultural narratives quietly shape how children and adults learn to listen or stop listening to their hunger and fullness cues. For ADHD brains, where interoceptive awareness, sensory sensitivities, and executive dysfunction already play a role, these narratives can make food feel even more confusing. The episode explores texture sensitivities, hyperfixation on foods, overeating, restrictive eating, coffee, sugar, blood sugar crashes, and why structure around meals can often help more than willpower. It also looks at how families and partners can support without judgment, and why practical, stigma-free nutrition is especially important for neurodivergent individuals. Grounded, relatable, and culturally aware, this episode helps reframe how Desi adults with ADHD can build a healthier, kinder relationship with food.

    28 min
  7. Episode 3: ADHD & AI | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    15 JAN

    Episode 3: ADHD & AI | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    In this episode of Attention Deficit Hyper Desi, Coach Ankita Jagtiani Dadachanji is in conversation with mental health counsellor Kareena Mehta to talk about how people with ADHD are increasingly using AI for focus, organisation, emotional support, and even connection. From productivity tools and reminders to late-night conversations with chatbots, this episode explores why AI can feel especially helpful for ADHD brains that seek stimulation, novelty, and quick feedback. In a Desi context, it also looks at how stigma around therapy and emotional expression can quietly push people toward private, judgement-free digital spaces. Kareena Mehta brings a culturally inclusive perspective shaped by her experience across the US, Belgium, the UK, and India. She works with individuals navigating identity, emotions, and relationships, helping them build resilience while staying grounded in their cultural context. This honest conversation looks at ADHD in the age of AI, where focus, structure, and support are increasingly digital.

    34 min
  8. Episode 2: ADHD & Diagnosis | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    3 JAN

    Episode 2: ADHD & Diagnosis | Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    In this episode of Attention Deficit Hyper Desi, Coach Ankita Jagtiani Dadachanji is joined by clinical psychologist Siddika Panjwani to talk about ADHD and diagnosis in the Indian context. Across Desi households, ADHD is often minimised or misunderstood. Struggles are brushed off as stress, laziness, or lack of discipline, with familiar refrains like “sabko hota hai” or “bas focus kar lo.” This episode looks at how cultural expectations cause ADHD to be overlooked, and why many adults grow up blaming themselves instead of understanding their brains. This conversation centres on ADHD and diagnosis as to why a formal diagnosis matters, how myths and mislabels form, and why online self-tests or social media content cannot replace a proper clinical evaluation. It also explores how ADHD is frequently mistaken for anxiety or depression, and why missed diagnoses are far more common than overdiagnosis in India. Our guest, Siddika Panjwani, is a clinical psychologist who works with children and adults on psychological assessments — especially ADHD. Siddika has been practising as a neuropsychologist since the past 20 years and specialises in Diagnostic assessments for neurological disorders… She is associated with hospitals like Lilavati and Globus here in Mumbai. Cutting through stigma and cultural silence, this episode offers clarity around ADHD diagnosis for Desi adults who were never given the full picture growing up.

    31 min
  9. Episode 1: ADHD & Meds| Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    15/12/2025

    Episode 1: ADHD & Meds| Attention Deficit Hyper Desi

    In this episode of Attention Deficit Hyper Desi, Coach Ankita Jagtiani Dadachanji is joined in conversation by psychiatrist Dr Pervin Dadachanji to talk about ADHD, co-morbidities, and medication in the Indian context.  Despite growing awareness, ADHD in Desi households is still widely misunderstood, often dismissed as laziness, carelessness, or “you’re doing fine na?” This conversation looks at why so many adults remain undiagnosed, how culture and stigma shape treatment decisions, and where real clinical evaluation differs from social media narratives.  The episode explores how ADHD is diagnosed, what medication actually helps with, common fears around dependency and side effects, and what people should realistically expect from treatment. It also touches on why ADHD rarely exists alone, how co-morbidities like anxiety or depression show up, and why treatment is rarely a straight line.  Honest, grounded, and judgment-free, this episode is for anyone trying to make sense of ADHD medication beyond myths, reels, and half-truths. #AttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorder #Neurodivergent #MentalHealth #SouthAsian #DesiADHD #Podcast

    40 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Attention Deficit Hyper Desi is India’s first podcast that explores ADHD through a Desi lens. It breaks down what living with ADHD actually looks like in Indian households, without medical jargon, but with real stories, relatable chaos, and the quirks of daily life many Desis experience. The podcast embraces interruptions, overthinking, hyperfocus on the wrong things, and the dopamine that sometimes saves the day. For anyone looking to understand, normalize, and navigate ADHD in a Desi context, Attention Deficit Hyper Desi is the space to listen, learn, and relate.

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