Latest news with #AstikJoshi
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Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Could a special vitamin D3 boost ease core autism symptoms in children?
A novel nanoemulsion form of vitamin D3 has shown notable improvements in core autism symptoms such as language development, social IQ, and adaptive behaviour in children aged 3 to 6 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While standard vitamin D3 supplements increased blood levels without affecting behaviour, the nanoemulsion version — a next-generation supplement — delivered measurable clinical benefits over six months. The findings are detailed in a peer-reviewed study titled 'Improved core manifestations of autism following supplementation with vitamin D3-loaded nanoemulsion', published in Nutrients. What is autism pectrum disorder (ASD)? Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting how individuals communicate, interact, and behave. It usually manifests in early childhood and can range from mild to severe. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 100 children globally has autism. A 2024 paper in Indian Pediatrics estimated that approximately 1 in 68 Indian children are affected. Why is vitamin D3 important for children with autism? Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin produced naturally when skin is exposed to sunlight. It is essential for calcium regulation and bone health, but it also plays a role in brain development and immune system function. The study highlighted that many children with autism have lower-than-normal vitamin D3 levels. Previous research on supplementation yielded inconsistent behavioural results — until now. What makes the nanoemulsion form different? The clinical trial involved 80 children diagnosed with ASD, split into two groups. One received standard vitamin D3; the other, a nanoemulsion formulation — an ultra-fine oil-and-water mix designed for superior absorption. After six months, only the nanoemulsion group showed: Significantly higher vitamin D3 levels Reduced autism severity Improvements in social and adaptive behaviours Enhanced receptive and expressive language skills Researchers noted that nanoemulsions improve bioavailability, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently into the bloodstream than conventional supplements. Could this be a breakthrough in autism care? According to the authors, nanoemulsion technology may become a promising, non-invasive intervention for managing neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. However, they caution that larger studies with longer follow-ups are necessary to confirm these benefits. Should parents consider D3 nanoemulsions for autistic children? Dr Astik Joshi, Child, Adolescent & Forensic Psychiatrist at Veda Clinic, Delhi, and Fortis Shalimar Bagh, said the findings are encouraging, but families must proceed with guidance. 'Vitamin D is vital for brain development and function — including neuroprotection, neurotransmission, and cognition,' he said. 'But before changing any supplement routine, parents should consult a developmental specialist and test vitamin D levels. Personalised care is crucial.' How should vitamin D3 be integrated into autism care? While promising, vitamin D3 is not a standalone cure. Experts stress that it should be integrated into a comprehensive, individualised care plan that may include: Behavioural therapy Speech and occupational therapy Special education support Nutritional and family counselling
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Business Standard
30-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
How undiagnosed ADHD raises addiction risk, especially in women
You might know someone who fell into the trap of addiction without any of the typical warning signs. According to experts, in many cases, the underlying cause is something they have lived with unknowingly: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Often mistaken as a childhood-only condition, ADHD can persist into adulthood and, when left undiagnosed, it increases the risk of substance abuse. 'This hidden link is more common than we realise and understanding it can be the key to life-changing interventions,' said Dr Astik Joshi, child, adolescent and forensic psychiatrist at Fortis Hospital, New Delhi. What is the connection between ADHD and substance use disorders? People with ADHD are naturally more prone to novelty-seeking behaviours and impulsivity—two key traits that make them vulnerable to substance abuse. According to Dr Joshi, when ADHD is undiagnosed or untreated, individuals often struggle to manage daily life, leading them to experiment with substances as a quick coping mechanism. Unfortunately, this can spiral into full-blown addiction. Why is ADHD often underdiagnosed in adults, especially in women? ADHD often goes unnoticed in adults because its symptoms in grown-ups, particularly women, are not always obvious. 'Women may not display classic hyperactivity. Their symptoms are often more complex and internal, such as emotional dysregulation or inattentiveness,' explains Dr Joshi. Because these signs are subtle, many women end up self-medicating with substances to cope with daily challenges without realising they are living with undiagnosed ADHD. How does undiagnosed ADHD increase the risk of substance misuse? According to Dr Joshi, the brain chemistry of someone with untreated ADHD plays a big role. Poor impulse control, difficulty making rational decisions, emotional instability and a tendency toward risk-taking behaviours are all common, he said. These neurological and psychological factors make substances appealing as a form of immediate relief or thrill. 'It's like a perfect storm,' says Dr Joshi. Without diagnosis or treatment, the risk of falling into substance misuse grows significantly. Can school or workplace failures linked to ADHD push people toward addiction? Constant failures at school or work can lead to a dangerous cycle of low self-esteem and helplessness. Dr Joshi notes that many people with undiagnosed ADHD feel defeated by their inability to meet expectations. This often drives them to seek temporary escapes, and substances become an unhealthy coping mechanism. Over time, this escape can turn into addiction, especially when combined with impulsivity and poor emotional regulation. How does ADHD treatment help support addiction recovery? Treating ADHD can be a game-changer in breaking the addiction cycle. 'When ADHD is properly diagnosed and treated with the right medications, it can significantly reduce substance cravings and improve emotional regulation,' Dr Joshi points out. Addressing the root cause—ADHD—can help people manage their behaviours more effectively and lower their dependence on substances as a coping tool.
Business Standard
20-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Flight anxiety rising after Air India crash? Doctor explains what to do
The recent Air India crash has sparked a wave of flight anxiety, leaving many travellers uneasy and second-guessing their next trip. Mental health experts share ways to manage the emotional impact. According to Dr Astik Joshi, Child, Adolescent & Forensic Psychiatrist at Fortis Hospital, New Delhi, it's not always about being physically present or knowing someone on board. Sometimes, just the information overload and emotional weight of such news can trigger your brain's stress response. 'Even if you weren't directly involved, traumatic flight-related news, like crashes or emergency landings, can adversely affect your mental health,' said Dr Joshi. You might notice yourself feeling uneasy, getting anxious while packing for a trip, or even imagining worst-case scenarios as soon as your flight is booked. All of this is valid. Your brain is trying to protect you from perceived danger, even if that danger is statistically low. How can you tell if it's flight anxiety or aviophobia? Not all anxiety related to flying is the same. 'Flight phobia, or aviophobia, is distinct from generalised anxiety,' says Dr Joshi. If you are experiencing fear specifically tied to planes, airports, take-offs, or turbulence, it could be flight phobia. You may find yourself avoiding flight-related news altogether, cancelling trips, or feeling physical symptoms like a racing heart, shallow breathing, or nausea before a flight. On the other hand, general anxiety shows up across various aspects of life, not just flights. But when an airline incident hits the headlines and there is a travel plan in the near future, taking a flight might feel risky, prompting people to book a train, out of anxiety. What are the symptoms of flight anxiety or fear of flying? Not sure if you're just shaken because of the crash or if it's something deeper? Here are some signs that may indicate growing flight-related anxiety: Avoiding booking work trips that involve flights Feeling dread or panic when travel is mentioned Watching or reading flight news obsessively Trouble sleeping before a scheduled flight Physical symptoms (palpitations, sweating, nausea) when thinking about flying If these signs persist for more than a couple of weeks or start interfering with your work, travel, or general peace of mind, it's worth reaching out to a mental health professional. 'Flight phobia can escalate if ignored,' Dr Joshi cautions. What are the best coping strategies for fear of flying? Here's what can actually help soothe your nerves post-crash coverage: Ground yourself in facts: Flying remains one of the safest modes of travel statistically Practice deep breathing or mindfulness: A few minutes a day can rewire your stress response Talk about it: Whether it's a friend or therapist, don't keep your fears bottled up Visualise safe flying experiences: Think back to calm, uneventful flights you've taken before Seek professional help: Therapy, especially CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), is highly effective in treating phobias Air disasters, though rare, strike a nerve because they tap into our deepest fears — of loss, lack of control, and the fragility of life. It's human to feel shaken. What matters is how you respond. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
