ADHD: Beyond the Label

In this episode of The Desi Condition Show, Ankur Varma, licensed Chicago-based psychotherapist specializing in ADD/ADHD and creator of Brown Man Therapy, delves into the complexities of ADD/ADHD in South Asians. Ankur shares insights into his work and how he became involved in addressing the executive functioning issues associated with the disorder. He provides a holistic view of ADD, emphasizing that it's more than just a label and discussing co-occurring conditions like autism, depression, anxiety, OCD, substance use, and sleep disorders. Ankur explains his approach to working with parents, especially those resistant to a diagnosis, highlighting the importance of a family-oriented approach and fostering growth. The discussion also explores how South Asians manage ADD, whether diagnosed as adults or children, and Ankur stresses the importance of receiving support regardless of age, emphasizing the need to understand brain development and executive functioning.