Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Studies suggest that unhealthy lifestyles play a key role in the development and worsening of its symptoms. This qualitative study sought to assess lifestyle-related issues in children with ADHD based on the six principles of health in traditional Iranian medicine.
Methods: Method: In this exploratory study, the needs and problems of children with ADHD were identified using a data-driven approach. To achieve this goal, key themes in the available data were explored and discovered using the Attride-Stirling inductive content analysis method and an extensive review of domestic and foreign scientific sources.
Results: Of 187 retrieved articles, 75 were selected after screening for relevance. The results of this study demonstrated that the identified problems in the lifestyle of these children include exposure to air pollution, lack of green space, inactivity, obesity, excessive use of digital media, sleep problems, such as insomnia, daytime sleepiness, circadian rhythm disorders and parasomnia, unhealthy nutritional patterns, such as consuming high-fat foods, micronutrient deficiencies, and skipping such meals as breakfast, constipation and fecal incontinence, and psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, and aggression, all of which contribute to disruptions in the six principles of a healthy lifestyle in traditional Iranian medicine (air, movement and stillness, sleep and wakefulness, eating and drinking, retention and vomiting, and emotional symptoms), indicating the marked impact of incorrect biological patterns on children's health.
Conclusion: The diversity of lifestyle problems in children with ADHD highlights a critical need for a holistic, individualized approach. These findings can inform assessment tools and support interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, nutritionists, practitioners of traditional Iranian medicine, and occupational therapists, to enhance care and quality of life.