Ayurveda management on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD] in children- A series of case studies

Abstract:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common psycho nurological disorder in childhood. Though the disease ADHD is not mentioned in Ayurveda its psychopathology can be understood by applying the basic concepts of disease genesis in Ayurveda. The clinical presentation of the disease with the three cardinal symptoms of Inattention, Hyperactivity and impulsivity points towards the abnormality of behaviors due to defects in the volitional powers of the mind. The present series of case studies was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a special Ayurveda treatment regimen for the management of ADHD-affected children. The five children were assessed using DSM-IV criteria before and after the treatment regimen. Selected children of both sexes aged 6–12 years received 3 rounds of Ayurvedic internal and external treatment with a two-month gap. Every rotation the given treatment regimen was found to be effective in gradually decreasing the signs and symptoms associated with ADHD children This study concluded that the treatment regimen used in the management of ADHD had notable outcomes in terms of symptomatic alleviation. Further research with the broad study group is necessary, to generalize the outcome to additional patients

Audience Takeway

• The audience will update their knowledge of available Ayurvedic concepts and the management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children

Biography:

Dr. W.A.S. Saroja Weerakoon, Grade I Senior Lecturer in Ayurveda Pediatrics, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and Ayurvedic Consultant Pediatrician in National Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Colombo, Sri Lanka. She has completed her Master Degree in Ayurveda Pediatrics, University of Colombo and PhD Degree in Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. As a clinical and an academic researcher engaging to strengthen research competence in Ayurveda and Traditional Medical System in Sri Lanka.
Her research interests include bioactivities of indigenous medicines and Pediatric related disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Attention deficit Hyperactive disorders and Muscular dystrophies. Current research and consulting areas are; research on Pediatrics behavioral disorders and muscular dystrophies. She is a Member of Ethics Review Committee, Institute of Indigenous Medicine and a member of Editorial Board of Sri Lanka Journal of Indigenous Medicine at present.