Synapse, Pakistan Neuroscience Institute

21/03/2026

19/03/2026

Death & Bereavement Support Group | FAQs

Have questions about our upcoming support group? We’ve answered some of the most common ones in this video.

Led by Shafa Rashid, this space is designed to gently support those navigating grief and loss.

🗓 Starting 1st April
📍 Every Wednesday
⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM

Watch to learn more about this group.

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16/03/2026

𝗕𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟱𝟳: 𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗗 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

This week, in Episode 57 of Bas Paanch Minute, Dr Ayesha continues our ADHD series by discussing stimulant medications used in the treatment and management of ADHD.

She explains there is very strong scientific evidence showing that medication is usually the most effective treatment for the core symptoms of ADHD, such as difficulties with focus, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and emotional regulation.

Dr Ayesha also highlights that ADHD medications have been studied for decades and are safe and well tolerated when prescribed and monitored appropriately.

Key points about stimulant medications include:
• Stimulants are the first-line treatment for ADHD when medication is needed
• The most common class includes methylphenidate medications, such as Ritalin
• In Pakistan, short-acting Ritalin is the most widely available option
• These medications typically improve focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation for several hours
• They are usually taken after meals and earlier in the day to avoid sleep disruption and appetite suppression

If you or your child may benefit from ADHD medication, it is important to consult a qualified professional such as a pediatrician, child psychiatrist, psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician.

In the next episode, Dr Ayesha will discuss non-stimulant medication options for ADHD.

See you then!

12/03/2026

Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one?

In Pakistani culture, grief is often met with silence — people are expected to “move on,” stay strong, or avoid talking about loss altogether. But grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and silence can make it even harder to heal.

Synapse’s Death & Bereavement Support Group, led by CPPD & grief-therapy trained psychotherapist Shafa Rashid, offers a compassionate, therapeutic space to explore the emotions that come with death and loss — sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, or even relief.

This is a closed group running for approximately 8–10 weeks, allowing participants to build trust, continuity, and meaningful connection with others navigating grief.

📅 Starts April 1st
🗓 Every Wednesday | 6:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Synapse – Pakistan Neuroscience Institute

Fee: Rs 3,500 per session

Register through the link in bio or scan the QR code in the post.

You don’t have to grieve alone.

reimaginingconnections

10/03/2026

Bas Paanch Minute Episode 56: ADHD Treatment & Management – Psychosocial

In Episode 56 of Bas Paanch Minute, Dr Ayesha continues our ADHD series by discussing psychosocial approaches to the treatment and management of ADHD.

She explains that ADHD management, like all treatment plans, follows a biopsychosocial model. This includes biological treatments such as medication, psychological strategies such as therapy and stress management, and social or lifestyle changes. This week our focus is on psychosocial interventions.

Dr Ayesha emphasizes an important point: the goal is not to “cure” ADHD. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental variant. The aim is to improve daily functioning and help individuals use their strengths while managing challenges.

Key psychosocial strategies include:
• Defining clear treatment goals, which differ depending on age and life stage
• Psychoeducation to better understand how the ADHD brain works and reduce stigma
• Parent management training to help families support children with ADHD
• Environmental supports and cues, such as calendars, reminders, and breaking tasks into smaller steps

These practical strategies can make everyday life easier for both children and adults with ADHD.

Next week we will continue the conversation and talk about biological treatment and management interventions.

See you then!

05/03/2026

Bas Paanch Minute Episode 55: How To Talk To Our Kids About Conflict & War

We are finally back with Episode 55!
We've been delayed because of unexpected technical difficulties in our production process and are very glad to be with you once again.

In Episode 55 of Bas Paanch Minute, Dr Ayesha steps away from our ADHD series to address a concern so many of us are facing right now: how to talk to children when the news is filled with conflict, war, and uncertainty.

She reminds us that children are often more aware than we think. They hear conversations, see the news, and notice when adults around them are worried. The first step is to listen and understand what they already know and how they are interpreting events.

Dr Ayesha encourages parents to speak calmly and honestly, in ways that are appropriate for the child’s age. It is important not to overwhelm children with too much information, but also not to dismiss their concerns.

Most importantly, these conversations should be grounded in kindness and compassion rather than anger or hatred. Instead of focusing on violence, we should highlight the helpers, doctors, first responders, and humanitarian workers who show up to support others in difficult times.

She also emphasizes limiting constant news exposure and being mindful of what children are watching or hearing.

When adults stay calm, compassionate, and present, children feel safer and less overwhelmed.

23/02/2026

Bas Paanch Minute Episode 54: Diagnosis of ADHD

In Episode 54 of Bas Paanch Minute, Dr Ayesha explains how ADHD is actually diagnosed, who is qualified to diagnose it, and what a proper assessment involves.

She emphasizes that ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of 12. This is why a detailed developmental history is essential, even when assessing adults. Diagnosis requires speaking not only to the individual, but also to parents, family members, and often teachers. Symptoms must be present in two or more settings, such as home and school or work.

Dr Ayesha clarifies that ADHD is a clinical diagnosis. It is made through careful history taking, not through blood tests or brain scans. And while not strictly necessary for a diagnosis, in many cases a full neurocognitive assessment with a clinical psychologist can also help, especially when academic accommodations are needed.

She also reminds us of the core features of ADHD, including inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity, time blindness, procrastination, rejection sensitivity, and emotional dysregulation.

To summarize, a thoughtful, thorough assessment by a qualified professional makes all the difference.

As always, send in your questions and we will see you next week. =)

17/02/2026

🌊 Synapse by the Sea 🌊

This year’s annual beach retreat brought together our practitioners and their families for a day of connection, reflection, and celebration. From a grounding mindfulness meditation session led by Farah Millwala to a joyful music session by Asif Sinan, the day was filled with moments that reminded us of the importance of community and care.

We also marked a special milestone - celebrating five years of Synapse by the sea!

Grateful for the people who make this journey meaningful, both within and beyond the therapy room.

16/02/2026

We know many of you are waiting for Episode 54 of Bas Paanch Minute—worry not! It will be aired in a couple of days.

Meanwhile, stay curious and keep sending in your questions. 😊

16/02/2026

Meet Najia Sabahat Khan, who supports adults navigating depression, anxiety, adjustment, sleep, and stress-related concerns. Grounded in feminist and multicultural principles, her work focuses on empowerment, collaboration, and understanding each client’s unique context.

An M.Ed. graduate in Educational, School, and Counselling Psychology and a Fulbright Scholar, Najia works alongside clients to explore their concerns and create tailored therapy plans.

09/02/2026

𝗕𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟱𝟯: 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗗

In Episode 53 of Bas Paanch Minute, Dr Ayesha Mian responds to your messages and begins a much requested conversation on Adult ADHD.

She explains that ADHD does not “go away” with age. While some symptoms improve as the brain matures, core difficulties can continue into adulthood, especially when life becomes less structured and demands increase.

Dr Ayesha shares why many adults began recognising ADHD after COVID, when routines and boundaries changed. She also explains that because many people with ADHD are average to above average in intelligence, they can cope for years as children in school, until university, work, or independent life exposes the underlying challenges.

Adult ADHD can show up as poor focus, procrastination, missed deadlines, impulsivity, emotional reactivity, forgetfulness, relationship strain, and a heavy sense of shame.

Importantly, when ADHD goes undiagnosed, many people do not present with “ADHD” at all. They may present with anxiety, depression, or substance use instead. This is why a careful history, going back to childhood, matters.

Stay tuned for more next week!

02/02/2026

𝗕𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟱𝟮: 𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗗 – 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀

In Episode 52 of Bas Paanch Minute, Dr Ayesha Mian continues our series on ADHD by unpacking how ADHD actually shows up in daily life, and why it is so often misunderstood.

She talks about common signs like inattention, impulsivity, forgetfulness, disorganization, procrastination, and time blindness. She also highlights less discussed but deeply impactful experiences such as emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitivity, and difficulty shifting tasks or responding to demands.

Importantly, Dr Ayesha reminds us that children and adults with ADHD are often labelled as naughty, careless, or stubborn, when in reality they are navigating a neurobiological condition. She emphasizes that ADHD is not a lack of effort or intelligence, but a difference in regulation of attention and emotion.

Please do let us know if you want us to expand on any of the points covered in this video, or any other aspect of ADHD.

See you next week!