Why might some neurodivergent people feel especially at ease around animals? In this personal reflection, a psychiatrist with ADHD explores how dogs’ direct affection, wordless communication and everyday routines can offer a sense of acceptance — while reminding us that animals have needs, boundaries and personalities of their own. “The more I study man, the…
DetailsDifferentiating between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and ADHD can be a complex clinical challenge, as misdiagnosis is common among inexperienced practitioners. While both conditions can present with intense emotions, impulsivity, and relationship difficulties, their underlying mechanisms and developmental timelines are fundamentally different. Accurate diagnosis requires looking beyond surface-level symptoms to understand a patient’s childhood history,…
DetailsA common misconception about ADHD is that it strictly involves an inability to pay attention. However, many individuals with ADHD experience hyperfocus — an intense, prolonged absorption in a highly salient or rewarding activity. Understanding ADHD as a difficulty in regulating and shifting attention, rather than a simple deficit, helps explain why someone might struggle…
DetailsThe intersection of neurodivergence and moral reasoning often reveals a striking adherence to absolute rules. While society frequently relies on unwritten exceptions and contextual “grey areas,” some individuals process morality through a strictly black-and-white lens. This rigid approach, though rooted in a deeply admirable desire for fairness and consistency, can lead to profound internal distress…
DetailsThe conversation around neurodivergence has grown significantly, yet medical facts and social concepts are frequently confused. Written from a clinical psychiatrist’s perspective, this article breaks down what it truly means to be neurodivergent, distinguishing between common terms like neurodiversity, ADHD, and autism. By exploring how different brains process the world, we can move beyond simple…
DetailsMarriages or any relationship must be founded on equality. This is the belief at Chennai Minds. Nearly every marital problem we see in our clinic arises from conflicts within the mind of the woman who is empowered, earns well, and holds a respected job. She is treated and lives like a princess, yet finds herself…
DetailsIt is tempting to think that marriage is a universal human experience which evolved as a result of private property and the concept of bequeathing the property to one’s own heir, and to ensure that the offspring is from the man’s lineage. However, in the West, marriage carries a very different weight. In fact, marriage…
DetailsAs a psychiatrist, I often encounter various mood disorders that impact individuals in significant ways. One condition that might not receive as much attention as it deserves is cyclothymia. While it may not be as widely recognised as its more severe relatives, such as bipolar I and II disorders, cyclothymia is a distinct mood disorder…
DetailsMental health has become a pivotal area of discussion in recent years, shedding light on various disorders affecting millions worldwide. Among these disorders, unipolar depression and bipolar depression are two frequently mentioned conditions. However, many are unsure about the distinctions between them. As a psychiatrist, I aim to clarify these differences, helping you understand their…
DetailsBipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Diagnosing bipolar disorder is a critical step for effective treatment and management, yet the process can be complex due to the overlap of symptoms with other mental health disorders.…
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