Yudhajit Roychowdhury - People With ADHD Find It Difficult to Sustain Their Attention on a Task They Find Boring (Counseling Psychologist)

My own experience with ADHD makes it possible to understand and gauge the internal world of my clients who share a similar condition, something that many ADHDers complain that others don't understand

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I did my schooling at a time when people were not much aware of mental health. Teachers rarely, if ever, understood what their students might be going through mentally. My first encounter with mental health care came when a close family member sought psychiatric consultation. I accompanied them to the psychiatrist and was heavily impressed by the experienced doctor. I decided that I would become a psychiatrist. 

A few years later, I had miscalculated the date and found myself beyond the deadline to fill out the form for NEET 2017. Not wanting to take a year drop, I decided to study psychology instead. Back then, I did not know the difference between psychiatry and psychology, and I thought they were the same thing. That's how I entered the field of mental health care. Six years after that decision, I now work practice as a counseling psychologist and have a private practice

2. Being an ADHDer yourself, how has your personal experience influenced your approach to working with clients who have ADHD, and what insights can you share about navigating life with ADHD? Can you explain ADHD in brief?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive functioning capacity and the ability to regulate attention effectively. People with ADHD find it difficult to sustain their attention on a task they find boring and are thrill- and novelty-seeking, which often manifest as hyperactivity. It is a congenital condition, which means that children are born with ADHD and cannot acquire it after birth. 

My own experience with ADHD makes it possible to understand and gauge the internal world of my clients who share a similar condition, something that many ADHDers complain that others don't understand. Navigating life with ADHD is hard. Personally, medicines have been really helpful for me. Therapy has helped me counter the shame that is often experienced by ADHDers as we tend to perceive ourselves as inadequate because of our inability to function effectively in a fast-paced world obsessed with immediate productivity. 

3. Given your background in presenting research papers, are there specific areas within clinical psychology that you find particularly intriguing or that you believe need more attention?

My fascination extends to various areas, but I'm particularly captivated by the phenomenology of adults receiving a late ADHD diagnosis. This interest lies in understanding the unique experiences and perspectives of individuals navigating life with ADHD later in adulthood. Delving into this phenomenon allows me to explore the complexities, challenges, and adaptations in their daily lives, contributing to a broader understanding of adult ADHD. 

Unraveling the intricacies of this late-diagnosis scenario not only enriches my own understanding but also has the potential to inform support strategies and interventions tailored to this specific demographic. It's an intriguing avenue for research, shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of ADHD and its implications for adult individuals.

4. What advice do you have for individuals considering a career in clinical psychology, especially those who may be navigating the challenges of mental health themselves?

Those who are considering a career in clinical psychology need to remember that it is not easy to become a clinical psychologist. The current (3+2+2) system necessitates an MPhil in clinical psychology as the compulsory requirement to become a clinical psychologist. Unfortunately, MPhil seats are very limited but the competition is very high. 

MPhil itself is a very difficult degree to pursue as it involves multiple postings over two years and compulsory research and case presentation. Clinical psychology should be pursued only if someone is really interested in the field and is comfortable with rigorous academic and practical work. 

5. Looking ahead, what are your professional aspirations and goals in this industry, and how do you plan to achieve them?

As a newcomer to the industry, my immediate focus is on establishing myself and gaining experience. My next goal is to pursue an MPhil, viewing it as a stepping stone toward my overarching aspiration of enrolling in a PhD program. These academic pursuits are pivotal milestones that I aim to achieve before setting additional goals. Prioritizing advanced education aligns with my commitment to continuous learning and professional development. 

By acquiring specialized knowledge through an MPhil and eventually a PhD, I aim to contribute meaningfully to my field and position myself for significant achievements in the future. These academic milestones serve as the foundation for my long-term career aspirations, laying the groundwork for impactful contributions to the industry.

Bio- 

I am a counseling psychologist based in Kolkata, practicing privately since 2022. I hold a master's degree in clinical psychology from Christ University, Bangalore, and a bachelor's (honors) degree from the same institution. During my postgraduate education, I received hands-on training in working with clients under the supervision of my professors for a year. 

The skills I learned during that time have helped me transition smoothly to the professional world. I currently work with adults between ages 18 and 35, and help them navigate their lives through various difficulties. 

Interviewed and Edited by - Arunangshu Chatterjee