Abstract

CHILDHOOD MENTAL DISORDER AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE: A REVIEW STUDY

Dr. Neha Udainiya* and Dr. Nitin Sharma

Abstract

Childhood mental disorders are a major public health problem and are associated with considerable burden of disease, suicides, physical comorbidities, high economic costs, and poor quality of life. It has been estimated that approximately one third of the children attending a paediatric clinic suffers not from physical but primarily from psychological illness. Incise of the rest, the illness may have a significant emotional content and psychological aspect, which will have to be handled.[1] The most commonly occurring mental disorders of children as mentioned in DSM-IV, which includes-Anxiety disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactive disorders, Autism, Learning and Communication disorders, Mood disorders, Mental Retardation, Tic disorders etc. Its etiology is still obscure in modern science while based on Ayurvedic etiopathogenetic, we can say it may occur due to vitiation of Dhee, Dhriti and Smriti that causes imbalance of Kala and Karma, which results into improper contact of the senses with their objectives i.e. Asatmendriyarthasamyoga. The current medications used in the treatment of mental disorders in children include- Antipsychotic, Antidepressants, Antianxiety drugs, Stimulants and Mood stabilizing groups. Although these drugs are the first-choice medication, but these agents produce various unacceptable side effects, which is one of their greatest demerits. Need of study: To find out supportive Ayurvedic treatment modalities which can be employed in the management of mental disorders in children and to evaluate a safe, efficacious treatment. Conclusion: Medhya drugs which are having Vatashamak property and possess nootropic, cognitive, neuroprotective properties are the main stay of treatment of mental disorders. Supportive Panchakarma therapy (Shirodhara and Shiropicchu) can be done that calm down aggravated symptoms.

Keywords: Mental disorders, Dhee, Dhriti Smriti, Medhya Drugs, Shirodhara, Shiropicchu.