Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - An Ayurveda Conceptual Review

Abstract

Ayurveda says that the concept of health not only means physical health but also the mental wellbeing of a person. The most prevalent neurobehavioral condition affecting school-age children is attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which has also received the greatest research attention among juvenile mental disorders. The imbalance between the Shareerika (especially Vata) and the Manasika (especially Raja) Dosha is linked to the symptoms of ADHD. According to Ayurveda it is caused by vitiation of Dhee, Dhriti and Smriti which leads to an imbalance of Kala and Karmas. This incorrect interaction between the senses and their goals (AsatmendriyarthaSamyoga) produces inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Although these words have been discussed collectively under the Unmada Vyadhi Nidana Adhaya, when considered separately they bear a striking resemblance to some of the related and clinical characteristics of ADHD. The Medhya drugs and the Vata Shamak drugs are the main part of treatment of ADHD as etiopathogenesis points towards involvement of brain and the Prakupit (vitiated) Vata Dosha. Therefore, drugs which possess cognitive action, neuroprotective and Vata Shamaka are employed to manage clinical features of ADHD. Given that ADHD impacts a child’s Manasika Bhavas, which influences both shareerika and Manasika dosha, Medhya Rasayana Chikitsa is useful in treating the disorder.

Introduction

• ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder, most common in school-age children.

• Key symptoms: inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity.

• It often leads to academic problems, low self-esteem, and poor social relationships.

• ADHD is highly prevalent globally (approx. 5.29%–7.1%), more common in males, and especially in children of lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

2. Modern Treatment

• Current treatments include pharmaceuticals (e.g., stimulants) and psychiatric counseling, which may have side effects.

• A multimodal approach is recommended: educational, behavioral, cognitive, and pharmacological therapies.

3. Ayurvedic Understanding of ADHD

Ayurveda views ADHD as a result of Vata Dosha imbalance (Shareerika) and Rajas Dosha (Manasika) disturbance.

Mental Components Involved:

• Dhee (intellect), Dhriti (retention), and Smriti (memory) are impaired, leading to:

  • Inattention → failure of focus and memory

  • Impulsivity & Hyperactivity → poor judgment and restraint

Classical References:

• ADHD symptoms correspond to descriptions in Ayurvedic texts under Unmada (insanity) and abnormal behavior patterns like:

  • Mano vibhrama (mind instability), Buddhi vibhrama, Cheshta vibhrama (behavioral anomalies).

4. Concept of Mana (Mind) in Ayurveda

• Mana (mind) connects Atma (soul) and Sharira (body).

• Healthy Mana leads to clarity, while disturbed Mana results in mental disorders.

• The mind is governed by Trigunas: Satva, Rajas, Tamas.

  • Rajas (activity) and Tamas (inertia) excess cause ADHD-like symptoms.

• Manovishayas (mental objects) like Chintya, Vicharya are disrupted in ADHD, affecting cognition and behavior.

5. Etiology (Nidana) of ADHD in Ayurveda

A. Nija Nidana (Internal/Constitutional Causes)

1. Sahaja (Hereditary/Genetic):

   • Inherited traits from parents’ Atmaja, Satvaja, Satmyaja Bhavas.

   • Vata-type Deha Prakriti and Rajasika Mana lead to hyperactivity and poor memory.

2. Garbhaja (Antenatal Factors):

   • Poor maternal diet, stress, and lifestyle affect fetal development.

   • Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin B12, folic acid) during pregnancy can cause ADHD.

   • Emotional disturbances in mothers influence fetal mental health.

3. Janmottara (Postnatal Factors):

   • Breastfeeding issues (impure milk), unwholesome sensory inputs, improper diet, sleep disturbances, and emotional trauma.

   • Overuse of certain tastes (Rasa) can disturb mental balance.

B. Agantuja Nidana (External Causes)

1. Shirobhighata (Head Injury) – e.g., birth trauma.

2. Bhutavesha (Infectious/Unknown causes) – likened to infections like encephalitis.

3. Dushivisha (Slow-acting toxins) – e.g., lead exposure.

6. Pathogenesis in Ayurveda

• Disruption of Dhee, Dhriti, Smriti leads to Pragyaparadha (mistaken intellect).

• These defects manifest as the core ADHD symptoms:

  • Inattention – due to impaired focus and retention.

  • Hyperactivity – due to excessive Vata movement.

  • Impulsivity – due to lack of restraint and disturbed Rajas/Tamas.

7. Ayurvedic Management of ADHD

• Focus on Dosha Samyata (balance of doshas).

• Use of Medhya Rasayana (nootropic herbs) and Vata-shamaka (Vata-pacifying) treatments.

• Holistic approach including:

  • Herbal remedies, diet correction, behavior modification, meditation, and proper sleep and routine.

• Public awareness and early detection are essential.

Conclusion

For those who are hopeless, Ayurveda offers a bright light in the treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related illnesses. After learning about this condition from its Ayurvedic perspective, symptoms of Unmada appear to be the most accurate link. Treatment plan should be based on the child\'s tolerance level and work towards normalizing all shareerika and Manasika Dosha, since Vata Vruddhi, Pitta Vruddhi and Kapha Kshaya are thought to be the primary causes of the ailment. Nonetheless, rather of treating these kinds of ailments, Ayurveda suggests preventing them from occurring in the first place.

References

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Copyright © 2025 Dr. Umang Varshney, Dr. Geetika. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.