Could pranayama and ekapadasana be an alternative modality in the management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children ?

ADHD is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children, affecting about 3% to 5% of children globally. The symptoms are frequently comingled with learning problems, oppositional conduct, and depression, which altogether compound the family's emotional burden. Mounting controversy over the widespread use of drugs in the management of AttentionDeficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children. and possible life-threatening effects from its long-term use make it imperative that alternative modalities be implemented for ADHD management. Parents and children express desperation for interventions that will work, but without the adverse effects inflicted by the pharmaceutical management model. Research has proved that an effective alternative modality for treating ADHD in otherwise physically and mentally healthy children would be the regular dedicated practice of the ANULOM – VILOM PRANAYAMA PROCEDURE and the EKA PADASANA by the affected child above age 8-9 yrs and her/his parent, because it has been noted that children practice regularly only if accompanied by their guardians. The benefits are seen immediately, but last only until the procedures are practiced. Hence, to maintain the benefits, daily practice is essential. The results therefore depend on the dedication of the parents towards the child’s improvement. Corresponding Author: Akhila Shetty MBBS, MD (Pharmacology), FAGE. Email: shettyakhila@yahoo.com Associate Prof Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College. Mangalore Campus, Manipal University, Manipal, India. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or AD/HD or ADD) is a neurobehavioural[1] developmental disorder. [2] It is primarily characterized by "the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behaviour occurring infrequently alone" and the symptoms starting before seven years of age. [3] ADHD is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children, affecting about 3% to 5% of children globally[4][5] and is diagnosed in about 2% to 16% of school aged children. [6] It is a chronic disorder[7] with 30% to 50% of those individuals diagnosed in childhood continuing to have symptoms into adulthood. [8][9] Adolescents and adults with ADHD tend to develop coping mechanisms to compensate for some or all of their impairments. [10] 4.7 percent of American adults are estimated to live with ADHD. [11] ADHD is the most prevalent behavioural disorder in children [12] and its symptoms are frequently commingled with learning problems, oppositional conduct, and depression, which altogether compound the family's emotional burden. Particularly, since the dominant mode of treatment to date has involved the drug methylphenidate (Ritalin[R]), which acts on the CNS much like cocaine and has marked potential for severe side-effects and addictive abuse, ADHD has become a lightning rod for controversy. The scientific literature on ADHD is voluminous, with more than 4,000 peer-reviewed articles published since 1966 [13]. An intense debate has developed around the diagnosis, aetiology and the medical management of ADHD. Parent groups, consumer advocacy organizations and progressive physicians are calling for alternatives to methylphenidate and the many other potent stimulants which are used to treat ADHD, while pharmaceutical interests and physicians who are particularly oriented to prescribing pharmaceuticals attempt to defend the status quo (currently in the United States, between 1.5 million and 3 million ADHD children are most probably taking methylphenidate). Psychostimulant medications are generally the first choice in the medication of ADHD. Currently, methylphenidate is the drug of choice; other first-line stimulants include dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine[R]) or a