Abstract

ADHD IN THE DIGITAL ERA: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON SCREEN EXPOSURE, LIFESTYLE AND CHILD BEHAVIOUR

Dr. Vaibhavi Ashok Dange*, Dr. Raghavendra Pandilwar

Abstract

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has emerged as a significant neurodevelopmental concern globally, exacerbated in recent decades by pervasive digital screen exposure, sedentary routines, and nutritional transitions in paediatric populations. While contemporary medicine identifies prefrontal dopaminergic and noradrenergic dysregulation as central to ADHD, classical Ayurveda offers a comprehensive psycho-physiological framework to understand cognitive instability, attention deficits, and behavioural hyperreactivity. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize classical Ayurvedic principles with contemporary neurobiological evidence to elucidate the impact of excessive screen exposure and lifestyle modifications on child behaviour and ADHD pathogenesis. Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya) were critically reviewed alongside electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception to October 2023. Relevant literature on paediatric screen media exposure, neurodevelopmental outcomes, Manovaha Srotas pathology, and Medhya interventions was analysed. Results: Excessive screen exposure constitutes a contemporary manifestation of Asatmendriyartha Samyoga (inappropriate sensory-object contact) and Prajnaparadha (intellectual blasphemy), instigating Raja-Tama imbalance and Prana-Udana Vata vitiation. These factors disrupt Dhee (acquisition/cognition), Dhriti (retention/inhibitory control), and Smriti (recall). Modern literature confirms that hyper-stimulating digital visual stimuli alter dopaminergic mesolimbic circuitry, degrade executive function, and disrupt circadian melatonin synthesis. Ayurvedic management—integrating Dinacharya (daily regimen), Satvavajaya Chikitsa (behavioural/cognitive psychotherapy), and Medhya Rasayana (nootropic formulations)—provides a holistic, neuroprotective countermeasure. Conclusion: Integrating Ayurvedic lifestyle paradigms and neuro-nutritive therapies with contemporary behavioural interventions presents a viable, integrative strategy to mitigate digital-era paediatric attentional deficits, warranting rigorous translational and clinical validation.

Keywords: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Screen Time; Ayurveda; Manovaha Srotas; Medhya Rasayana; Child Behaviour.