Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

MEANING
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a disease which adversely affects the mind of a child and ultimately reduces his or her concentration. Apart from experiencing a lack of concentration and distraction, a patient suffering from this ailment might also become hyperactive and face problems in learning. It is actually a kind of childhood-specific behavioral disorder. A victim of this disorder becomes impulsive by nature and also develops a restless and unstable temperament which may hamper future career progression. This disorder is commonly known as hyperactivity. However, it would be wrong to confuse it with the usual playful and naughty nature of a growing kid.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
As already mentioned, a hyperactive child suffers from lack of concentration. Some of the symptoms include:

• They do not want to sit at a place for a long time if required.
• They do not play quietly.
• It becomes very tough for people to make them follow instructions.
• In some cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the affected children start doing some new work without finishing the previous one.
• They often interrupt others and get involved in disastrous activities that may harm them.
• The disease can also make the child anxious, depressed or obsessive.
• Patients may suffer from lack of synchronization and language or speech problems.

While in most cases the hyperactivity diminishes with the onset of adulthood, some victims retain the traits.

CAUSES

• There are some chemicals in the brain that transmit nervous sensations and signals called neurotransmitters. If a child inherits imbalanced neurotransmitters, he may fall prey to this disease.
• The human brain encounters millions of stimulations every minute but sometimes it cannot filter all of them as per requirement. A child suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder fails to process information at a steady pace and tends to get distracted easily.
• The decision-making power of the child is significantly reduced and certain brain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline may be imbalanced in these cases.
• Sometimes it is the heredity or genetic factor that is blamed. However, no particular gene has been identified and it is believed that several genes may be responsible for this disorder. A significant fact to note is that research through ages has been unable to show continuous neurobiological differences between the child who suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a normal child.
• The fast food habit of kids is also suspected to be one of the reasons behind hyperactivity. Several parents believe that food additives can aggravate hyperactive behavior. In fact, recent research clearly demonstrates that artificial food colors, as well as sodium benzoate – used as a preservative in foods like ice-cream – can increase the chances of this ailment. Nonetheless nothing conclusive has been proved in this regard.

However, it should be kept in mind that this is a generalized view and the specific hormone which causes this imbalance has still not been discovered. The researches have indicated that patients of this disorder may show a plethora of different behavior patterns.

YOGIC MANAGEMENT

• Matsyasana, Tadasana, Sarvangasana and Vrikshasana are some asanas that can help to combat this ailment.
• Practices like the chanting of AUM, meditation and Pranadharna improve concentration to a great extent.
• Viprit Karni and candle gazing, or Trataka, are very useful in this respect.
• Bhakti Yoga or prayers to God, devotional songs and listening to philosophical discourses can have a curative effect on this disease.

HOME REMEDIES

• Family support is very important to control ADHD.
• Behavior and stress management along with the educational support can also be very effective. So, hiring professionals is a good idea.
• Listening to devotional songs and chanting prayers is also beneficial for patients of ADHD.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

• Ayurvedic medicines like Jyotishmati, Pippali, Suvarna Malini Vasant, Vishatinduk Vati, Ashwagandha, Vacha, Pancha Tikta Ghruta Guggulu, Suvarna Bhasma etc. aim to ensure the proper functioning of the affected part of the brain.
• There are medicines that cure the symptoms of this disorder. These includes Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, Mandukparni, Sarpagandha, Jatamansi etc.
• Guduchi, Chirayta, Musta and Amalaki can be used to improve the functioning of the brain.

CONCLUSION
ADHD patients need to be treated with proper care. So, it is important to consult experienced and qualified professionals who are capable of dealing with them. The support groups are also crucial to deal with the patients. (All the information in this document is well researched but general. To know more about remedies of these diseases please contact our specialists)

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