ADHD, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a very real, diagnosable condition. However, certain doshic imbalances combined with environmental factors, psychological and mental traits can present symptoms similar as those of ADHD (see table below), but does not necessarily mean that child or adult carry that condition. Let me break it down:
💨 DOSHIC IMBALANCES:
A heightened vata imbalance can present itself as:
- Lack of focus, easily distracted, short attention span
- Forgetfulness
- Jumping from one though or activity to another
- Fidgety, impulsive
- Trouble following instructions
- Disorganization
- Anxiety (See Managing Anxiety with Ayurveda)
❓What to do? Consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine your doshic signature and imbalances to determine a suitable protocol.
💻 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
Some factors that contribute to ADHD-like symptoms
- Vata aggravating diet and lifestyle (See 🌱 Grounding practices )
- Information overload
- Over exposure to electronic devices, phone, TV, etc
- Preservatives, pesticides and harmful chemicals in food and products
- Boredom, insufficient mental challenges (specially children in a school setting)
- Lack of exercise
❓What to do? Digital detox, sleep hygiene, consuming natural foods and products. Challenging mental activities and creative activities.
🧠 THE BRAIN
- Gifted and neurodivergent children and adults are often misdiagnosed with ADHD because of their high-powered, fast-paced brain activity. Read: what it means to be a gifted adult
- The psychological, emotional, socio-cultural baggage that one carries may contribute to ADHD-like symptoms
❓What to do? There are specialized professionals that can diagnose giftedness, in order to better understand how their brain function. IQ tests may help, but it is not comprehensive enough. Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be considered for the other matters.
🍎 DIET
Studies have shown that eating inflammatory foods, that is ultraprocessed, high sugar and foods that you’re allergic or intolerant to, increases the adverse symptoms of ADHD.
❓What to do? Eat clean, natural foods, avoid sugary items, take a food allergy and food intolerance test and avoid the ones that cause a reaction on you.
🧘🏽♂️ MEDITATION
There is an overwhelming amount of research relaying the positive effects of meditation for ADHD brains. There are dozens of different practices and even apps you can choose from. So try it and see what works for you! Remember that meditation is not something you can or can’t do, is something you learn how to do, with time. Here's a link to get you started.
Exclusive ADHD Symptoms* | Common ADHD and VDI Symptoms | Exclusive VDI Symptoms** |
|---|---|---|
Careless Mistakes | Inattention | Mental weakness/exhaustion |
Does not listen when spoke to | Difficulty sustaining attention | |
Reluctant to engage in tasks that require mental effort | Difficulty finishing tasks | |
Chaotic | Difficulty organizing | |
Feeling out of control | Looses things often | |
Procrastination | Distracted by extraneous stimuli | |
Craving excitement and challenges | Forgetfulness | |
Impatience | Fidgety | |
Agressiveness | Difficulty engaging in leisurely activities | |
Hypersensitivity | Often “on the go” | |
Talks excessively (topic “hopping") | ||
Interrupts others speech often | ||
Impulsiveness | ||
Anxiety | ||
Easily overwhelmed | ||
Forgetting physiological needs | ||
Feeling chaotic |
*Symptoms may present themselves in a VDI individual but are not directly related to VDI.
** Symptoms may present themselves in a ADHD individual but are not directly related to ADHD
Read full paper:
To a balanced life!
Namaste,
Grazie Prokopetz, Doctor of Ayurveda