Role of Ayurveda in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) –A Case Study

Background: In Ayurveda, disorders related to psychiatric and behavioural disturbances are discussed under the heading of Unmada. The cardinal features of Unmada include features related to emotional, behavioural, psychological and physical disturbances. Among the neurobehavioral disorder of childhood, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is the most common and prevalent one which is a chronic health condition affecting school-age children. Hyperactivity and inattention are the foremost features along with many other clinical features which can be grouped under the umbrella of ‘Unmada’. Objectives: The present case study was aimed to analyze the role of Ayurveda treatment management in case of ADHD. Materials and Methods: A male child aged 3 years 6 months was brought by the parents with the complaints of hyperactivity and easy irritability along with other associated complaints since 1year. As per the elicited history and clinical examination, he was diagnosed as a case of Unmada. According to the reference of diagnostic criteria of DSM5 same features were seen in ADHD also. The child was treated with the treatment protocol cited in classical textbooks of Ayurveda for a period of 3 months in multiple sittings. Observations and results: At the end of 3 months, there was significant reduction in the clinical features. As per the parents, the quality of life of the child was also improved after the treatment. Conclusion: This case study demonstrates the role of Ayurveda in the management of ADHD.