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Ayurvedic Treatment for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Ayurvedic Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD) works on the body, mind, and soul levels. In Ayurveda, the concept of life, mind, and body is an extension of universal energy and its’ unique concept is widely used in managing ADHD. Ayurvedic herbal medicines, Yoga, and Pranayama are used to correct the causes at the macro and micro levels of the body. Herbs selected in the treatment have unique effects on the micro levels of mind and soul.

ADHD is a chronic condition associated with a combination of difficulty in attention, hyperactivity along impulsiveness. This is a mental health disorder that begins in childhood and may occur in adulthood also.

  • Signs and symptoms of ADHD
  • Causes of ADHD
  • Pathophysiology of ADHD
  • Diagnosis of ADHD
  • Treatments of ADHD
  • Prognosis of ADHD
  • Complications of ADHD
  • ADHD in Ayurveda
  • Nidana- Causes of ADHD
  • Purvaroopam (Premonitory Symptoms) of ADHD
  • Lakshana of ADHD
  • Chikitsa (Treatment) for ADHD
  • Diet desirable in ADHD
  • Yoga
  • Research articles link.

Signs and Symptoms

There occurs a wide range of behavioural changes that occurs in ADHD.

  • Trouble in concentrating or focussing on a task.
  • Easy distractions
  • Finds difficulty in sitting still
  • Less focussed to complete the task
  • Interrupt others while talking
  • Trouble multitasking
  • Disorganization and problems prioritizing.
  • Poor time management skills, poor planning
  • Low frustration tolerance

Causes

  • ADHD is considered a neurobiological metabolic and functional disorder in the brain. In affected persons, there are significant anomalies in the neurotransmitter system which is triggered by an imbalance in dopamine and noradrenaline. When these neurotransmitters are out of balance, faulty information processing will result in the affected areas of the brain.
  • ADHD has a genetic predisposition.
  • Social and environmental factors like the lack of a structured daily routine, and impaired family structure or high media consumption also influence ADHD
  • Premature birth, Alcohol, and drug consumption during pregnancy may also be reasons. birth

Pathophysiology

The exact pathophysiology of ADHD is still not clear. Possible theories include abnormalities in the functioning of neurotransmitters, brain structure, and cognitive function. The frontal and prefrontal regions of the brain, as well as possibly the parietal lobe and cerebellum, are thought to be associated with ADHD.

Cognitive function deficits may usually be seen in the resting brain but the Default-Mode-Network (DMN) activity may be involved. This is key in the region of the brain used to process tasks. and as a result, affected individuals are likely to have difficulty in regulating and maintaining attention.

Diagnosis

ADHD is diagnosed based on the guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)

Treatments

Treatment of ADHD includes,

  • Behavioural therapy
  • Medication- Stimulants are the best-known medication for ADHD. Examples include Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine
  • Training for parents

Prognosis

ADHD is a disorder without a cure. It will have a serious and long-term impact on a person’s life.

Complications

ADHD if not treated will have complications like,

  • Poor self-esteem and risky behaviour.
  • Substance abuse, accidents, or injuries.
  • Trouble interacting with peers and difficulty in maintaining a relationship.
  • Excess weight and eating disorders.
  • Disturbed sleep.

 

 

 

Disease and Ayurveda

Not a single disease can be correlated to ADHD, instead, the context of Unmaada and Graha dosha encompasses most of its symptoms. The same treatment principle can be adopted in the management of ADHD.

Nidana- Causes

Unmaada occurs to a person,

  • When the mind is afflicted repeatedly by desires, anger, greed, excitement, fear, attachment, exertion, anxiety and grief; and
  • When the person is subjected to excessive mental trauma / physical assault.

Unmada is defined as cognitive distortion happening to mind, intellect, consciousness, knowledge, memory, desire, attitude, activities and behaviour

Purvaroopam- Premonitory Symptoms

Premonitory symptoms include Emptiness in the head, noises in the ears, hard breathing, Absence of inclination to food, anorexia, indigestion, etc.

Lakshana Signs and Symptoms

In Vatika Unmaada,

  • Incoherent speech and constant wandering

The symptoms in paithika unmaada are as follows,

  • Irritation and anger
  • The excitement in inappropriate situations

 

Divisions based on Dosha

Unmaada types,

  • Vata
  • Pitta
  • Kapha
  • Sannipatika
  • Agantuja

Prognosis

Chikitsa- Treatment

Vata samana and Medhya drugs can be used in the treatment of ADHD.

Samana-

  • Ghee preparations like-

Brahmi ghrita

Kalyanaka ghrita

Mahatpanchagavya Ghrita

  • For Abhyanga

Vatasini taila

Bala thaila

  • Medhya rasayana like Brahmi, Sankhapushpi etc.

 Sodhana

  • Snehapana, Swedana followed by Elimination of doshas by emesis, purgation, and finally, suitable enemas can be given.

Brands available

  • Kottakal Aryavaidya Saala
  • VAidyaratnam Oushadhasaala
  • SNA oushadhasaala
  • AVP

Diet

High protein diets like beans, cheese, eggs, meat and nuts

Ghee

milk

Yoga

Yoga improves concentration and confidence.

Pranayama or the breathing exercise makes a good control over thoughts

Meditation also calms the mind.

Research articles link.

https://pharmascope.org/ijrps/article/view/2774/5900

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221068/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319070879_AYURVEDIC_MANAGEMENT_OF_ADHD_ATTENTION-DEFICIT_AND_HYPERACTIVITY_DISORDER_WITH_PANCHENDRIYA_VIVERDHAN_TAIL_NASYA-_A_CASE_STUDY

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5237364/#:~:text=Yoga%20exercise%20has%20been%20found,et%20al.%2C%202013).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3768216/

Writer:
Dr. Rajesh Nair, the co-founder and chief consultant of Ayurvedaforall, is a graduate of prestigious Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College (affiliated with the University of Calicut), Kerala, India. Additionally, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy from Annamalai University.

Dr. Nair offers consultation at two busy clinics in and around Haripad, Alleppey, Kerala, the southern state famous worldwide for authentic ayurvedic treatment and physicians. While offering consultation on all aspects of ayurvedic treatments Dr. Nair has a special interest in Panchkarma, Yoga, and Massage.

Through Ayurvedaforall Dr. Nair offers online consultation to patients worldwide and has served hundreds of patients over the last 20 years. In addition to his Ayurvedic practice, he is the chief editor of ayurveda-amai.org, the online portal of Ayurveda Medical Association of India, and the state committee member of Ayurveda Medical Association of India.

Dr. Nair is a regular speaker at Ayurveda-related conferences and has visited Germany to propagate Ayurveda. You can write directly to him-
rajesh@ayurvedaforall.com

Whatsapp – +91 9446918019, +91 8075810816

URLs: https://www.ayurvedaforall.com/

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Dr. Rajesh Nair
Licensed Ayurvedic doctor focused on providing individual Ayurvedic consultation services. Specialized in work related stress, Womens’ issues, diabetes, Pecos, arthritis, male and female sexual problems and infertility. Interested in academic work as well. Now working with www.ayurvedaforall.com as senior consultant, Ayurveda.

Dr. Rajesh Nair

Licensed Ayurvedic doctor focused on providing individual Ayurvedic consultation services. Specialized in work related stress, Womens’ issues, diabetes, Pecos, arthritis, male and female sexual problems and infertility. Interested in academic work as well. Now working with www.ayurvedaforall.com as senior consultant, Ayurveda.

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