Ayurvedaforall: Ayurvedic Treatment for ANXIETY DISORDER in KIDS

Ayurvedic Treatment for Anxiety Disorders in Kids uses Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation techniques to get optimum results. Anxiety is a normal emotional state of mind and children feel worried or anxious from time to time like when they are going to school or a new area. But in some children, anxiety affects their thoughts and behaviour in such a way that it affects their school, home, or social life. In younger children, separation anxiety is common whereas in teenagers the social anxiety is common.

Signs and symptoms of Anxiety disorder in children
Causes of anxiety disorder in children
Diagnosis of Anxiety disorder in children
Treatments of Anxiety disorder in children
Prognosis of Anxiety disorder in children
Complications of Anxiety disorder in children
Chittodwega in Ayurveda
Nidana- Causes of Chittodwega
Samprapti or maturation of Chittodwega
Chikitsa (Treatment) of Chittodwega
Commonly used medicines to treat anxiety disorder in children
Home remedies and Diet
Yoga

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms presented by children with anxiety disorder includes,

Difficulty in concentrating tasks
Disturbed sleep and waking from sleep due to bad dreams
Less food intake or lack of interest in food
Getting angry or irritable
Always having negative thoughts and getting worried about things
Complaining of feeling unwell or always crying

Types of Anxiety disorder in Children

Generalized anxiety disorder
Selective mutism
Social anxiety disorder
Specific phobias
Separation anxiety disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder

Causes

Children with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic spectrum disorders are more prone to develop an anxiety disorder. Children living among anxious people also possess the chance to develop this condition. The other causes include,

Fighting or arguing parents
Frequent change of schools or home
Death or separation of near friends or relatives
Getting abused or neglected
School-related issues like exams or severe punishments there
Accidents or serious illness

Diagnosis

A trained person can talk with the children, ask questions, and listen carefully so that anxiety disorder can be diagnosed. The questions like how and when the child’s fears and anxiety happen most are asked which helps to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder.

Treatments

Management of anxiety disorder in children includes,

Counselling – this helps to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder present and help children to what makes them anxious. Also, help them to work through the situation
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)- This aims to train the children to survive situations that make them anxious
Medications include antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors which work by raising levels of serotonin. This enables the brain to communicate better, helping to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Also can give anti-anxiety medication, such as alprazolam or clonazepam, for children and teens with anxiety that prevents them from attending school or performing everyday activities.

Prognosis

Childhood anxiety can be effectively managed by the effective combination of behavioural therapy and medications.

Complications

The possible complication that can develop in advance of time includes,

Depression or other mental health disorders
Disturbed sleep
Misuse of objects
Chronic headache
Social isolation and difficulty in working at office and schools

Disease and Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, Anxiety can be termed as Chittodwega. It can occur in children also and the symptoms and management are similar to the adults but the medicines should be selected considering the age.

Nidana- Causes

Chittodwega or Anxiety is caused due to the vitiation of Vata dosha and it gets affected to persons having poor satwa bala (health of mind). Genetic involvement is also considered. The etiological factors include,

Virudha ahara and vihara (improper daily regimens)
Excessive intake of foods which are ruksha (fat-free diet), alpa (low portion size or serving size of food/low-calorie diet), sheeta (cold food) in nature
Depletion of body tissues, excessive fasting, etc.
Manasika vikaras (emotions of mind) like fear, sorrow, etc. can vitiate vata dosha.

Samprapthi Maturation

The aggravated vata spreads and afflicts the heart of the child who has excessive psychological stress or fear. They spread upwards and occupy the channels of the upper parts of the body (head or heart) causing the disease

Lakshana Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms can be associated with both mind and boy. The symptoms include,

Indriyopagata (altered sensations)
Utsahabhramsa (lack of enthusiasm)
Feeling of sadness
Some somatic symptoms like loss of appetite, etc. are seen
The child may show irritability or even outburst of aggressiveness.
May show difficulties in learning.

Prognosis

By using Ayurveda drugs of medhya guna (nootropic effect) it is possible to cure child anxiety. The regimens like Suvarna prasana said in Ayurveda helps to prevent psychological problems in children.

Chikitsa- Treatment

The Ayurvedic treatment for anxiety in children makes extensive use of herbs to calm the adrenals and to balance the brain hormones. Brahmi (Bocopa monnieri), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi ) are a few of the most common. The management of this condition includes,

Nidana parivarjana is staying away from the causes of disease.
Abhyanga (oil massage), Snehana (oleation), swedana (sudation) followed by emesis or purgation can be adapted accordingly. Enema especially with oils that is anuvasana vasthi can be done.
Siropichu, siroabhyanga, sirodhara, etc.
Proper internal medications like medhya (nootropic) drugs
Symptomatic treatment can be chosen for lack of appetite, etc.

Commonly used medicines

Brahmi ghritam
Kalyanaka ghritam
Swarna bhasma with ghee and honey
Saraswatarishta
Manasamitra Vatakam
Aswagandhadi Churna
Drakshadi kashayam
Brahmi Drakshadi kashayam
Abhyanga (oil massage) with Dhanwantharam thailam, Vatasini thailam, Ksheerabala thailam

Brands available

Aryavaidyasala Kottakkal
Vaidyaratnam Oushadasala
SNA
Dhootpapaeswar
Baidyanath

Home Remedies

Art therapy includes the activities allowing kids to make their relaxation
Have a sound sleep
A healthy diet should be followed.
Training given to parents to guide such children
Stay them active and allow them to be with peer group

Diet

Diet should include yoghurt, eggs, omega 3 rich foods like flax seeds, salmon fish because they stimulate serotonin
Plenty of water intake

Yoga

Yoga’s methodical approach to breathing and moving makes it an excellent option for anxious children to learn strong coping skills. Simple postures like Marjarasana, Sisu asana, etc. can be practised by children. Breathing exercises can also be practised.