A Conceptual Review of Manas in Relation to Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) In Children

Abstract

According to World Health Organization, mental disorders are to increase by 50% in 2020, on the international level one of the main causes of morbidity in children. Children constitute about 40% of our population and in Indian studies the reported rate of psychopathology among children is 5-15%. The statistical studies show that ADHD has the highest incidence among all the other developmental disorders. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often persists into adulthood. It includes a combination of problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. ADHD is estimated to affect about 6 to 7 % of children aged 12 and under when diagnosed via the DSM-IV criteria. While treatment won't cure ADHD, it can help a great deal with symptoms. Treatment typically involves medications and behavioral interventions. In Ayurveda, the symptoms of ADHD can be correlated with the derangement in functioning of Manas and few with the lakshanas of Manasa vikaras. Thus it is worthwhile to understand the functioning of Manas in the context of the disease ADHD, which will be of prime- importance in understanding its psychopathology. Ayurvedic approach to the disease is definitely psychosomatic in nature