Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders. It is first diagnosed in childhood and its symptoms often last in to adulthood. A person with ADD often avoids, dislikes, or does not want to do things that take plenty of mental effort for a long period of time. Till date there is no clear understanding about etiopathology, symptomatology and management of ADD in terms of Ayurveda. There is scarcity of literature on this topic in Ayurveda. The present article aims at better understanding of an Ayurvedic view of ADD. According to Ayurveda and Yoga, it is a well established fact that, vata influences the mind. Vata disturbance can cause instability of mind / wandering mind. Anavasthita chittata is a psychiatric condition caused by vata prakopa which resembles with ADD. Dhriti vibhramsha is the underlying pathological process of Anavasthita chittata which resembles with inattention of ADD. According to Hatha yoga pradipika, movement of praana leads to instability of mind. When praana is without movement, mind will also become steady. By this (steadiness of praana) the yogi attains steadiness of mind and should thus restrain the vayu (air)’. Vata shamana chikitsa of Ayurveda and meditation techniques of Yoga individually or together may provide satisfactory results in the management of ADD. There is a similarity found between ADD and Anavasthita chittatvam.

Keywords: Attention Deficit Disorder; ADD; Anavasthita Chittata; Meditation; Ayurveda; Yoga.