Uso da acupuntura em crianças com sintomas de hiperatividade, impulsividade e/ou desatenção: uma alternativa para a despatologização da infância

Abstract

The symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention have been described as characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The increased frequency of diagnosis of this condition has led to an exacerbated use of medications. In contrast, the growing interest of contemporary society in approaches that consider the human being in a holistic way, in constant interaction with the environment, such as acupuncture, one of the strands of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ten sessions of systemic and / or auricular acupuncture in children aged three to six years, with symptoms of agitation, impulsivity and inattention. To do so, the participants were evaluated using MTC instruments, such as the energy diagnosis and the Ryodoraku instrument, plus psychodiagnostic instruments - detailed anamnesis with the parents; playtime with the children; and interviews with responsible teachers in school settings. After identification of the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention, through the SNAP-IV questionnaire, ten sessions of systemic and/or auricular acupuncture were performed, involving the diagnosis of the meridians in imbalance, the stimulation of the systemic and atrial points, through silicon pellets and crystals, respectively. At the end of the treatment, interviews were made with parents and teachers of each participating child, in order to verify possible changes in their behaviors. The results indicated that the children became more attentive, less impulsive and agitated, which may constitute an alternative for the minimization of child despatologization. Keywords: ADHD; depathologization; acupuncture; childhood.