A tool for the identification of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been developed by a professor of the Psychology Department of Andhra University M.V.R. Raju and a research scholar K. Taraka Rama Rao.
“The tool is based on a three-point scale assessment to identify the level of ADHD. The reliability and validity of the tool have been worked out and the validity has been standardised. Based on this tool one Ph. D has already been awarded and one more is ready for submission,” Prof. Raju told The Hindu .
“In all, 42 boys and girls, in the 11–14 years age group, were identified as part of the study.
Counselling of parents and teachers and behaviour modification sessions were held during the mornings and yoga classes were conducted in the evenings as part of the 3-month course,” he said.
The data samples have been drawn from various schools in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts and the interventions were done in the city.
“The ADHD cases were identified with the help of the tool and marked improvement in the attention span was noticed in children, who were treated with the help of Yoga (Surya Namaskaram and Pranayama), counselling and behaviour modification,” says Prof. Raju.
No permanent cure
“Though there are tools in the West for identification of ADHD, they are expensive. We have developed this tool indigenously for the first time in India.
There is no permanent cure for ADHD but attention span can be improved through Yoga and behavioural changes.
In India at present, psychiatrists are treating ADHD cases through medicines and behavioural changes.”
The symptoms of ADHD include: not sitting and standing properly, not paying attention, aggressive behaviour and problems with reading and writing.
Around five children on an average are undergoing counselling and behaviour modification sessions at the Psychology Department of Andhra University every day.
He said that the department was prepared to conduct awareness programmes at the schools, if any school came forward to organise the same.
Details can be had from Prof. Raju on mobile no. 93931 01813.