Mind–Body Therapy for Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is pervasive among the pediatric population and new treatments with minimal adverse effects are necessary to be studied. The purpose of this article is to review current research studying mind–body therapies for treatment of children diagnosed with ADHD. Literature was reviewed pertaining to the effectiveness of movement-based therapies and mindfulness/meditation-based therapies for ADHD. Many positive effects of yoga, Tai Chi, physical activity, and meditation may significantly improve symptoms of ADHD among children.

Effectiveness of super brain yoga for children with hyperactivity disorder

“…Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent neurobehavioral disorder among children . Boys are two to nine times more likely than girls to develop ADHD .…”

“…There are different reports on ADHD incidence rates. For example, Kaplan and Sadock reported that over 50% of the visits to children's psychiatric outpatient clinics and 3–5% of the school‐age children include the children with ADHD . Also, Pineda, Biederman, and Catherine have reported the general incidence rate of this disorder as 16.4%, 8–10%, and 6.5%, respectively.…”

“…To diagnose all the three types, the symptoms must be present at least for 6 months. (a) inattentive type: presence of ≥6 symptoms of inattention, (b) hyperactive/impulsive: presence of ≥6 symptoms of hyperactivity, (c) combined type: presence of ≥6 symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity . The etiology of this disorder is multifactorial.…”

“…Regardless of the cause of the disorder, children with ADHD are at high risk of poor school performance, behavioral problems (particularly in interpersonal relationships with family members and peers), low self‐confidence, substance abuse, misdemeanors, accidents, asthma, and mental disorders . Children with ADHD are generally affected by other psychiatric disorders (learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, depression, and conduct disorders) as well . Therefore, if not being diagnosed and treated, this disorder has irreversible consequences for the individual's occupational and educational future and causes many problems for the people related to the patients including their family members, schoolmates, etc .…”

“…The goal of these components is to connect the breathing, thoughts, emotions, and body into awareness of the present moment. The studies reviewed showed a significant decrease among the children practicing yoga in a variety of measures such as negative stress response behaviors, total mood disturbance, negative affect, anger, resilience, and fatigue/inertia . Yoga changes the physiology of the body through respiratory manipulation (breathing techniques), postures, and cognitive control (relaxation and meditation).…”