Written by Dr. Sanjana V.B Bhms,dbrm,cdn
Founder & medical director of siahmsr wellness.in

Reviewed by SIAHMSR

All rights reserved with siahmsr digital healthcare[siahmsr wellness]

ADHD   Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder-Yoga  for ADHD

   ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders found in children and often it runs in families. It is  characterized by poor focus and impulsive behavior in children.  ADHD children may have problems in paying attention and in controlling impulsive hasty behaviors. It is also characterized by hyperactivity or excess movement that is not fitting to the setting. 

ADHD can progress to adulthood and it may impact the life of the individuals in various ways affecting the academic performance, professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and day to day life functions.

    ADHD can be found in any age group however, this disorder usually starts in childhood. In order to confirm that an individual is having ADHD, the symptoms must be present before the individual is 12 years old and must have caused difficulties in more than one setting. The symptoms in ADHD vary in children and adult according to the grades or severity of the disorder.

Children with ADHD may be having various problems such as:

·       Inattention

·       Lack of focus

·       Talkative nature

·       forgetfulness

·       daydreaming

·       fidgetiness of body

·       Carelessness with impulsivity

·       Temptations

·       trouble in taking turns

·       difficulty in socializing or mingling with 

 Symptoms of hyper activity vary in degree or grades. In ADHD children impulsivity, organization, and/or inattention are noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental level.

 What are the causes associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?  

 Gene:

As per research data genetics plays a crucial role. Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. Other probable causes and risk factors including:

Brain injury

Exposure to environmental factors (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age

Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy

Premature delivery

Low birth weight

 What are the different types of ADHD ?

1.    Predominantly inattentive

2.    Predominantly hyperactive and impulsive

3.    combined

How can you find out ADHD ?

 Complete psychiatric and medical history, family history, and information regarding education, environment, and upbringing are taken by the health care provider in ADHD suspected children or adult. This process of diagnosis may also include a referral for medical evaluation to rule out other medical conditions associated with or similar to ADHD. ADHD is typically diagnosed by mental health consultants or primary health care providers.  A psychiatric evaluation is done by a health care provider, preferably mental health consultants based on symptoms of the patient and narrations from caregivers.

Several conditions can mimic ADHD such as learning disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use, head injuries, thyroid conditions, and use of some medications such as steroids. 

      According to NIH for  considering the diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be chronic or long-lasting, which may impair the person’s functioning, and cause the person to fall behind typical development for their age.  Stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other physical conditions can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. 

Most children with ADHD are diagnosed so during the elementary school years. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed as patients having ADHD, the symptoms need to have been present before age 12. 

ADHD from childhood to adulthood 

ADHD symptoms can appear as early as between the ages of 3 and 6 and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD can be misinterpreted as emotional or disciplinary problems by parents or caregivers or missed entirely in children who primarily have symptoms of inattention, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may have a history of poor academic performance, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships. 

ADHD symptoms can change over time as a person grows into adulthood. In young children with ADHD, hyperactivity-impulsivity is the most predominant symptom. As a child reaches elementary school, the symptom of inattention may dominate affecting the child’s academic performance.

In adolescent children, hyperactivity reduces in intensity and feelings of restlessness or fidgeting may remain, along with inattention and impulsivity.  Relationship issues and antisocial behaviors common during adolescence. Inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity tend to persist into adulthood. 

Adults with ADHD may experience poor self-worth, high sensitivity towards criticism. This increased self-criticism possibly is stemming from higher levels of criticism throughout life.

Treatment options for managing ADHD

·       Behavior therapy and medication

 For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy is considered first, particularly training for parents.Treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups, and making changes, if needed, along the way.

  ADHD medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. Medications work by increasing the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention.

Behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help a person change their behavior. It includes helping in organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, or working through emotionally difficult events. Behavioral therapy also teaches a person how to monitor their own behavior.

The recommendations include

·       Healthy eating patterns

   Including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources in the diet.

·       Promoting physical activity

Involve every day in some form of physical activity based on age.

·       Reduce screen time

Limiting the duration of watching TVs, computers, phones, and other gadgets.

·       Promote adequate sleep

Get the right amount of sleep each night according to the recommendations for the age.  

·       Cognitive behavioral therapy

It helps a person learn how to be aware and accepting of one’s own thoughts and feelings to improve focus and concentration.

It motivates the person with ADHD to adjust to the life changes that come with treatment, such as thinking before acting, or resisting the urge to take unnecessary risks. 

·       Stress management for parents of ADHD child

A few stress management techniques may help the parents in increasing their ability to deal with stress associated with managing ADHD children. 

Complementary & alternative systems of medicine 

Homeopathy

Homeopathy offers some treatment options in the form of nutrition and dietary intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy along with some medications.

Homeopathy offers medications for stress management of caregivers also along with counselling.

For details on homeopathy visit the homeopathy for mental health section of the website.

http://siahmsrwellness.in/homeopathy/list/depression-homeopathic-treatment 

Yoga  for ADHD

some yoga poses may help to improve focus and concentration and help to calm the nervous system.A few are listed below

1.Chin mudra

    Yogis believe Chin mudra helps you tune into a receptive state , brighten the mood, eradicate ignorance, and stimulate your intuitive powers.  Yoga breathing exercises or pranayama like Ujjayi and Sama Vritti Pranayama are practiced in chin mudra.

   Chin Mudra is a yoga hand gesture or yoga mudra that is carried out by pressing the tip of the index finger against the tip of the thumb with the palm facing upward. It is used often in the practice of pranayama and meditation. It is the yoga mudra that makes you more aware, conscious of your inner self .

   Chin mudra helps to improve concentration, inner awareness and keep you maintain mental calmness.

Readmore 

Nadishodan [anuloma-viloma] pranayama

  Nadi Shodhan pranayama helps to calm the mind and prepares it for meditation. Regular practice of this pranayama  may help to de-stress your mind.

  Nadis can get blocked on account of stress of day today life. Environmental toxin exposure of physical body may also lead to blockage of nadis. Furthermore, physical and mental trauma can cause blockage of Nadis.

Unhealthy lifestyle practices have crucial role in  causing blockage of nadis as per theory and principles of yoga.

Ida, Pingala and Sushumna are three of the most important nadis in the human body. When the Ida nadi is not functioning smoothly or is blocked, one experiences cold, depression, low mental energy and slow digestion, blocked left nostril.

 Whereas when the Pingala nadi is blocked, one will experience heat, quick temper and irritation, itching body, dry skin and throat, excessive appetite, excessive physical or sexual energy, and blocked right nostril.

     Nadi Shodhan pranayama helps to calm the mind and prepares it for meditation. Practicing it regularly for just a few minutes helps to de-stress your mind.It helps in releasing accumulated stress and fatigue of your body and mind.

A research study shows that Nadi-shodhana pranayama practice for 20 minutes seems to improve cardio-respiratory efficiency and higher brain functions.