E-ISSN:2456-3110

Case Report

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 7 JULY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Assessing the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Management - A Case Report

Joshi A1*, Dixit R2, Dharamshaktu J3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.7.57

1* Ankita Joshi, Post Graduate Scholar, PG Department of Kaumarbhritya, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

2 Reena Dixit, Professor, PG Department of Kaumarbhritya, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

3 Janardan Dharamshaktu, Assistant Professor, Department of Kaumarbhritya, Dhanvantari Ayurvedic Medical College, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.

The most common neurobehavioral condition in childhood is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It disrupts social, intellectual, and vocational performance and is distinguished by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In Ayurveda, diseases connected to psychological and behavioural problems are discussed in the Unmada chapter. So, based on the signs and symptoms, it could be associated with Unmada (Vata Pitta Unmada). The current case was conducted at Kaumarabhritya OPD & IPD of Rishikul Campus, Haridwar to evaluate the efficiency of an Ayurvedic therapy protocol in the management of ADHD in children. Ayurvedic treatments such as Kosthashodhana, Basti (Matra Basti), Pichu, and Nasya were used, and assessments were conducted before and after treatment and during follow-up visits.

Keywords: ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Unmada, behavioural disorder

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Ankita Joshi, Post Graduate Scholar, PG Department of Kaumarbhritya, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
Email: 		Joshi A, Dixit R, Dharamshaktu J, Assessing the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Management - A Case Report. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(7):365-370.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4994/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-18 2025-05-27 2025-06-07 2025-06-17 2025-06-27
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 12.95

© 2025 by Joshi A, Dixit R, Dharamshaktu J and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(7)365
Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionCase ReportDiscussionConclusionReferences
Ankita J et al. Efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in ADHD

Introduction

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the psychosomatic disorders that affect children in pediatric clinics. This condition affects 5-10% of the Indian population, with men having a higher prevalence. Recent functional MRI brain studies indicate that the disorder may be caused by atypical functioning in the frontal lobes, basal ganglia, corpus callosum and cerebral vermis. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that impairs functioning or development.[1]

Inattention means that a person wanders off topic, lacks persistence, struggles to stay concentrated, and is unorganised; these issues are not caused by resistance or a lack of comprehension.

Hyperactivity refers to a person's tendency to move around continually, even in inappropriate contexts, or to fidget, tap, or chat excessively. Adults may experience intense restlessness or exhaust others by excessive activity.

Impulsivity refers to a person's fast behaviours that occur in the moment without prior consideration and may have a significant risk of injury, or a desire for immediate benefits, or an inability to wait for satisfaction. An impulsive person may be socially intrusive, excessively interrupting others, or make crucial decisions without considering long-term implications.

Diagnosis - DSM-V Criteria Hyperactivity Impulsivity (9 Criteria)

  • Fidgets with hands or feet, or squirms in seat
  • Leaves the seat when he should be seated
  • Runs about or climbs excessively and inappropriately
  • Cannot play or engage in leisure activities quietly
  • Always ‘on the go’ or ‘driven by a motor’
  • Talks excessively
  • Blurts out an answer before question is completed
  • Has difficulty awaiting a turn
  • Interrupts or intrudes on others’ conversation or games

Inattention (9 Criteria)

  • Careless with detail
  • Fails to sustain attention in tasks
  • Appears not to listen
  • Does not finish the instructed tasks
  • Poor at organizing tasks
  • Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort
  • Loose things
  • Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli,
  • Forgetful in daily activities

Case Report

A 7-year-old Male child with complaints of Difficulty in speaking as per developmental age (to make proper sentence), Difficulty in hearing since 3 years of age., hyperactivity in day-to-day activities. Acc-ording to patient’s attendant, they noticed that pati-ent is unable to speak properly as per his develop-mental age & difficulty in hearing since 3 age of, he had also complained of hyperactivity in day-to-day activities since age of 3 to 4. He took allopathic medicine, where he got mild relief, but symptoms persist. So, with these complaints, patient came to Rishikul campus for further improvement.

General Condition

General condition - lean and thin
Build & nutrition - average

Vitals

Table 1: Vital sign findings

Vital SignFindings
Heart rate76/min
Respiratory rate16/min
Temperature98.2 F
SPO298%

General Examination

Developmental History

Gross motor and fine motor development were normal as per the chronological age, but Language and Social development were delayed.

Family History

Non-Consanguineous marriage. Your younger sister has no problem.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(7)366
Ankita J et al. Efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in ADHD

Table 2: General Examination

Height - 118cmsExpected height - 119cms
Weight - 19.2 kgExpected weight - 22 kgs
Cyanosis - Not presentJaundice - Not present
Anemia - Not seenClubbing - Not seen
Edema - AbsentHead & Face - B/L symmetrical.
Lymph nodes - Not enlargedTongue - Not coated
Mouth & Throat - Tonsils not enlarged, dentation proper.Neck - Trachea centrally placed.
Nails - Smooth with no grooves, Pinkish whiteHairs - Thick & shiny black

Birth History

Antenatal History

  • No H/O gestational DM, HTN to mother.
  • Mother was on regular ANC.
  • Mother took all the nutrients and supplements during pregnancy.

Natal History

  • Full-term NVD at the hospital.
  • The baby cried immediately after birth.
  • Birth weight- 2.8 kg

Postnatal History

  • H/O Pneumonia
  • The patient was admitted to the NICU at the age of 1 month for 5 days due to pneumonia.

Personal History

Diet - Vegetarian diet

Qualitative - Rice, dal, chapati, vegetable, milk, fruits.

Quantitative - Breakfast: 1-2 chapati, ½ katori veg

Lunch - Dal, rice – 1 bowl

Dinner - 2 chapati, ½ katori veg, 1 glass milk.

Appetite - Normal

Bowel - Regular (Consistency - semi-solid with Frequency - 1 time/day).

Micturition - Normal

Physical Activity - Increased

Sleep - Sound sleep (approx. 7-8 hrs a day).

Addiction - Mobile phone usage (3-4 hrs a day)

Anthropometry

Weight - 19.2 kg

Head circumference - 50 cms

Chest circumference - 55 cms

Mid upper arm circumference Rt and Lt - 19 cms,19 cms

Systemic Examination

Examination of the Cardiovascular system, Respiratory system, and Per abdomen shows no deformity. Gait was normal. Muscle tone and texture were normal.

Central Nervous Examination

The patient was conscious, inattentive, easily distracted, had poor eye contact, did not obey commands, was irritable, could not speak even two words, could not identify persons, body parts, numbers, colours, and had low memory power, and could not write.

Samprapti Ghataka

Dosha - Vata- Pitta Pradhana
Dooshya - Rasa, Manas
Agni - Vishamagni
Udbhavasthana - Pakwashaya
Adhisthana - Shiras
Vyakthasthana - Sarvashareera
Srotas - Manovahasrotas
Srotodushti - Sanga and Vimargagamana
Rogamarga - Abyantara
Rogaswabhava - Chirakari
Sadya Asadyata - Krichra Sadhya

Asthavidha Pariksha

Table 3: Asthavidha Pariksha

Nadi: Vata Pardhan Pitta Anubhandi
Mala: Nirama
Mutra: Samanya Pravrtti
Jiwha: Samanya
Shabda: Aspastha
Sparsha: Ruksh, Samsheetoshana
Drikka: Samanya
Aakriti: Samanya


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(7)367
Ankita J et al. Efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in ADHD

Treatment

DOAPanchakarma GivenShamana AushadiObservation
1st visit -02/08/2024Shiro Abhyanga with Bala Thailam1. Brahmi Vati - 65mg
Sariwadi Churna - 65mg
Bala Churna - 500mg
Ashwagandha Churna - 250mg
Prawal Bhasma -65mg
Vachadi Churna - 65mg -
1*2 with Honey + Sauf Arka
2. Samvardhan Ghrita - 3.5 ml with Honey empty stomach
  • Mild decrease in hyperactivity.
  • Slight increase in concentration.
2nd visit - 07/08/2024Advice for Speech Therapy
  • Sarvanga Abhyanga with Ksheerabala Oil
  • Shiro Pichu with Brahmi Oil
× 15 days
  • Shiro Abhyanga with Bala Thailam for 7 days
1. Brahmi Vati - 65mg
Sariwadi Churna - 65mg
Bala Churna - 500mg
Ashwagandha Churna - 250mg
Prawal Bhasma - 65mg
Vachadi Churna - 65mg -
1*2 with Honey + Sauf Arka
2. Samvardhan Ghrita - 3.5 ml with Honey empty stomach
  • Able to concentrate on particular thing for more time
  • Social activeness increased.
  • Able to follow some instructions given by parents.
3rd visit - 11/09/2024
  • Sarvanga Abhyanga with Ksheerabala Oil
  • Shiro Pichu with Brahmi Oil
  • Matra basti with Brahmi Oil × 15 days
1. Brahmi Vati - 65mg
Sariwadi Churna - 65mg
Bala Churna - 500mg
Ashwagandha Churna - 250mg
Prawal Bhasma - 65mg
Vachadi Churna - 65mg -
1*2 with Honey + Sauf Arka
2. Saraswatarishta with Gold - 10 ml with same amount of water BID
3. Yeshtimadhu Ghrita 2 Drops each nostril OD
4. Brahmi Ghrita 5ml empty Stomach OD
5. Syp. Brento forte 10ml BID - for 15 days
  • Irritability was decreased.
  • Able to spell more words than earlier
  • Concentration and memory is increased than the earlier.
  • Hyperactivity decreased
4th visit - 19/10/2024
  • Sarvanga Abhyanga with Ksheerabala Oil
  • Shiro Pichu with Brahmi Oil
  • Matra Basti with Brahmi Oil
× 15 days		1. Brahmi Vati - 65mg
Sariwadi Churna - 65mg
Bala Churna - 500mg
Ashwagandha Churna - 250mg
Prawal Bhasma - 65mg
Vachadi Churna - 65mg -
1*2 with Honey + Sauf Arka
2. Saraswatarishta with Gold - 10 ml with same amount of water BID
3. Yeshtimadhu Ghrita 2 Drops each nostril OD
4. Brahmi Ghrita 5ml empty Stomach OD
5. Syp. Brento forte 10ml BID - for 15 days
6. Dadhimashtak Churna- ¼ tab BID for 3 days
7. Chitrakadi Vati 1 tab TID for 3 days
  • Obeys the commands and does the assigned work properly.
  • Concentration on particular thing has been increased a lot.
  • Able to recognize her family members and friends.

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(7)368
Ankita J et al. Efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in ADHD

jaims_4994_01.JPG

jaims_4994_02.JPG
Figure 1: Shiro Pichu

Discussion

ADHD is related to Pitta and Vata Doshas, and we found that Vata and Pitta were prevalent in this case. So, the treatment approach aimed primarily to restore Vata-Pitta balance. ADHD is a neurobehavioral condition; hence, medicines with Medya characteristics were employed. We had planned for the Sarvanga Abyanga, Shiro Pichu and Matrabasti in each sitting.

The probable mode of action of the treatment is as follows:

Mode of action of Abhyanga

Abhyanga is a form of Ayurvedic therapy which involves massaging the whole body with warm medicated oils. Oiling the body helps in the pacification of Vata, which is responsible for hyperactive behavior in ADHD patients. Massage therapy has been studied in several medical and psychiatric illnesses with positive results.

It can be successfully used in ADHD patients, as it has also been shown to increase serotonin levels, which might help modulate elevated dopamine levels thought to occur in children with ADHD.

Mode of action of Shiropichu

Application of oil, such as Ksheerbala, Ashwgandha, in the head causes the pacification of Vata, which is responsible for the impulsive behaviour, and it is also called Indriya-Prasadana (sense organs able to function normally). In a study, significant brain functional activation changes and increased cerebral blood flow were observed in participants who received a massage. These factors may improve cerebral function and enhance alertness and concentration, especially with the Shirodhara, which has well-established relaxing and anxiolytic actions. In a study on ADHD patients, the Shirodhara procedure helped decrease auditory and visual reaction time and increase attention span.

Mode of action of Matra Basti

According to Acharya Charaka, Basti is regarded as Ardha Chikitsa, the most effective treatment for Vata. Vata controls Rajoguna[2] which is prominent in ADHD. So, if Vata is controlled, Rajo Guna will also be regulated. Basti operates on the entire body via the gut-brain axis and on the brain, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. To manage Vata Pitta, we employed Brahmi Taila, which has Medya properties.

Shamana Aushadi

After purificatory measures, the morbid Doshas from the body will be eliminated. After that, giving the Shaman Aushadi containing gold, which possesses the Medya properties, will act on the brain cells and help increase concentration and memory power. So, we advised Brahmi Vati, Brahmi Ghrita, Saraswataarista with gold, etc.

  • Brahmi Vati - Helps to balance Vata and gives a calming effect on the nervous system.
  • Sarivadi Churna is used to treat hearing problems. Its antimicrobial action helps fight bacterial infections in the ear.
  • Ashwagandha Churna - Ashwagandha can reduce symptoms of anxiety, improve attention and impulse control.
  • Pravala Bhasma - They balance Vata Dosha and improve physical strength and immunity.

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(7)369
Ankita J et al. Efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in ADHD

  • Vachadi Churna - Vacha is highly used in neurological disorders and managing speech disorders due to its Vata balancing and Medhya
  • Yashtimadhu Churna - Yashtimadhu balances the Vata and Pitta Dosha and is used as a Medhya Rasayana.

Conclusion

The case was diagnosed as Vata-Pittaja Unmada, and treatment has been planned accordingly. Treatment included Deepana, Pachana, Shiropichu, and Matra Basti, followed by Shaman Aushadi with Medya drugs and Pratimarsha Nasya, along with speech therapy. As ADHD is Yapya Vyadhi, an attempt was made to increase the quality of life for the child and the family, and it gave satisfactory results, for which even the parents are happy.

References

1. Paul Vinod K Bagga Arvind. Ghai Essential Paediatrics. New Delhi: CBS Publishers and distributors; 9th edition. . [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

2. Tripathi Brahmanand. Charaka Samhita. Varanasi. Chaukamba Publications. edition 2012 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

Disclaimer / Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of Journals and/or the editor(s). Journals and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(7)370