Abstract

REVIEW ARTICLE ON PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) IN CHILDREN THROUGH AYURVEDA

Mukesh Kumar Meena*

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the commonest neurobehavioral disorder of childhood and one of among the most prevalent chronic health conditions affecting school-age children. It is characterized by inattention, including increased distractibility and difficulty sustaining attention; poor impulse control and decreased selfinhibitory capacity; and motor over activity and motor restlessness. The incidence of ADHD, ranging from 2% to 16% is depending on the diagnostic criteria and assessment tools. In Ayurveda it can be correlated to Unmad (insanity) due to etiology of vitiation dhee, dhriti and smriti that causes imbalance of kala and karma which results into improper contact of the senses with their objectives (Asatmendriyartha samyoga) and give rise to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Present time no clear cut treatment in modern medicine except presynaptic dopaminergic agonists, i.e. methylphenidate. This article serves to highlight Ayurvedic medicine along with Panchkarma therapies approaches in use today for children with ADHD, including dietary therapies, environmental hygiene.

Keywords: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Unmad, Panchkarma.