‘I was recently clinically diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety’: Alia Bhatt says her body overheats in social situations, here’s why it happens

"I had a proper backing for me to not just say I am just having an anxious day, it's not just that," Alia Bhatt said in a conversation on the Jay Shetty Podcast

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | March 12, 2025 01:30 PM IST

3 min read

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt opens up about her ADHD and anxiety diagnosis on Jay Shetty’s podcast. She explains her symptoms, why she avoids medication, and how she actively manages her condition. (Source: Alia Bhatt/Instagram)

Alia Bhatt has always been known for her candid nature, and in a recent interview, she made a heartfelt revelation about her mental health struggles.

Speaking on Jay Shetty’s podcast, the actor shared that she has been clinically diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and anxiety. She also emphasised that while she could take medication for it, she has chosen not to and is instead actively working on managing it through personal efforts.

During the podcast, Alia spoke about the challenges she faced before her diagnosis, saying, “I was recently clinically diagnosed with it (ADHD and anxiety). I had a proper backing for me to not just say I am just having an anxious day, it’s not just that.” She further explained how her condition affected her physically, especially in social situations. “I was finding it very hard. My body was heating up at social gatherings and I was physically responding to it. I was also finding it hard to focus on certain things,” she added.

Realising that something deeper was at play, Alia took a professional test over three days, which confirmed her ADHD and anxiety diagnosis. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, she found solace in the clarity that came with understanding her condition. “Strangely, I felt happy because my ADHD diagnosis gave me information. Lack of information is what throws me off the most, and I’m always seeking clarity and comfort. I’m very averse to change. But once I became aware of these things, dealing with them became much simpler,” she explained.

Managing ADHD without medication

Despite having the option to take medication, Alia has chosen a different path. “I am not on any medication or anything, although I can be, but I chose not to and I am just actively working on it to help get through it. And I think I manage pretty well,” she stated. Her approach highlights the importance of personal effort, lifestyle modifications, and professional guidance in managing mental health conditions.

Dr Madhur Rathi, Consultant Psychiatrist at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension, explained why individuals with ADHD often experience overheating in social gatherings:

Heightened Sensory Sensitivity: People with ADHD tend to be more sensitive to external stimuli such as noise, crowds, and temperature changes, which can lead to overstimulation and physical symptoms like sweating or feeling overheated.
Anxiety and Stress Response: Social situations can trigger anxiety, activating the body’s fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, raising body temperature, and causing excessive sweating.
Hyperactivity and Restlessness: ADHD is associated with constant movement or fidgeting, which can lead to an increased body temperature compared to those who remain more stationary.
Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty in managing stress can lead to exaggerated physiological responses, including overheating.
Medication Side Effects: Certain ADHD medications, particularly stimulants, may raise heart rate and body temperature, making individuals more prone to feeling overheated.

To help manage overheating and discomfort in social settings, Dr Rathi suggests practicing mindfulness techniques, staying hydrated, and wearing breathable fabrics.

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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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