Question
A three-year-old boy, enrolled in a kindergarten class, exhibits unusually high levels of restlessness and difficulty in concentrating. He responds slowly to instructions from parents and teachers and can only maintain interest in activities for a short period. Additionally, he often cries, shouts, and throws tantrums. Do these behaviors suggest that he might have ADHD?
Answer
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, these symptoms in children may originate from congenital deficiencies or postnatal malnutrition, leading to body malcontrol, pain, discomfort, dissatisfaction, and a sense of failure. These conditions may trigger chaotic, verbose, and hyperactive involuntary behaviors. In clinical treatment, traditional Chinese medicine often adopts methods such as nourishing the heart and mind, calming the mind, nourishing yin and reducing fire, nourishing the liver to calm the mind, and dispelling wind to strengthen the brain. These treatments aim to improve blood circulation in the brain, promote the release of biochemical substances like endorphins, increase the content of nucleic acids in the brain, and thereby enhance brain function. These treatment methods are used for children with ADHD, tic disorders, epilepsy, intellectual disability, and mental disorders.