Research On Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) In Adults In India; A Scoping Review (2020-2026)

This scoping review intends to map and integrate the scope, features, and patterns of published studies on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) conducted on adult population in India from 2020 to 2026. While ADHD has been primarily viewed as a childhood disorder, an increasing body of evidence highlights its continuation into adulthood and the considerable implications it has on mental health, functionality, and overall quality of life. Yet, in India, adult ADHD remains largely unacknowledged, inadequately diagnosed, and inconsistently researched. The existing studies are disjointed, methodologically varied, and dispersed across clinical, academic, and community realms, complicating the formation of a clear understanding of the prevailing evidence. This review intends to fill this void by thoroughly compiling and synthesizing both quantitative and qualitative research to offer a cohesive overview of the investigation of adult ADHD in India. In particular, the review will scrutinize the methodological strategies utilized, encompassing study designs, sampling methods, assessment tools, and diagnostic frameworks, in addition to the populations and environments included. It will also outline the primary outcome areas and thematic concentrations, including prevalence, symptomatology, psychiatric comorbidities, substance use, cognitive abilities, psychosocial outcomes, treatment experiences, and lived experiences. Through this systematic mapping, the review aspires to pinpoint prevailing research trends, emphasize methodological strengths and weaknesses, and reveal significant gaps in the existing literature. The synthesis of qualitative insights will further highlight sociocultural factors influencing help-seeking behavior, stigma, diagnostic pathways, and treatment participation, providing contextual richness to the quantitative findings. By delivering an all-encompassing overview of adult ADHD research in India, this scoping review is poised to shape future research priorities, assist in the creation of culturally sensitive assessment and intervention strategies, and steer mental health policy and service planning.