A Systematic Review of Yoga as a Supportive Treatment for Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Summary

Yoga therapy shows promise as a beneficial nonpharmacological measure for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An analysis of seven articles indicates that yoga and meditation can significantly improve ADHD symptoms, enhance family dynamics, and reduce associated issues like stress, depression, and anxiety. With ADHD being a leading neuropsychiatric disorder in pediatrics, exploring supportive treatments like yoga is crucial, especially given parental concerns about stimulant medications. This holistic approach fosters a healthier environment for children's growth and development.

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been one of the leading causes of neuropsychiatric disorders among children, which is why it is extremely essential to have a clear understanding of the disease and the new and upcoming treatment options available. Yoga has been one of the most recently explored and newer techniques that have been employed in the treatment of this disorder. It has become extremely crucial to understand the importance of using supportive treatments in the management of ADHD owing to the innumerable side effects caused by stimulant medication and the growing demands of parental concern about starting their children on stimulant medication at a very young age. Through this review, we would like to shed light on how yoga helps improve the lives of children with ADHD and how it can be used as a supplementary therapy for children with ADHD. After thoroughly screening various articles on this topic, we selected a total of seven articles for this study to highlight the effect that yoga has had on the improvement of ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, we also highlight the impact of such interventions in a family-based environment and how they help improve the immediate environment of a child with this disorder, thereby facilitating the development of a conducive environment for growth. We also highlight how these interventions help control various miscellaneous symptoms among children, such as stress, depression, and anxiety, as these concomitant symptoms are often associated with ADHD. This review article helps explore how yoga has proved to be a very holistic approach to the management of children with ADHD.

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