Digital Addiction: An Integrative Review of Ayurveda, Psychology, and Behavioural Counselling
Keywords:
Digital Addiction, Internet Gaming Disorder, Ayurveda, Behavioural Addiction, Prajnaparadha, Sattvavajaya Chikitsa, Integrative MedicineAbstract
Background: Digital addiction is an emerging behavioural health concern associated with impaired self-control,
psychological distress, sleep disturbance, and functional impairment. Its classification remains heterogeneous.
Objective: To review the classification, neurobiology, manifestations, and management of digital addiction and explore its
conceptual relationship with Ayurveda.
Methods: An integrative narrative review of contemporary psychiatric, psychological, behavioural, public health, and
Ayurvedic literature was conducted, supplemented by classical Ayurvedic texts.
Results: Digital addiction involves reward dysregulation, impaired executive control, reinforcement, attentional
disturbances, sleep disruption, and stress-related mechanisms. Ayurvedic concepts including Prajnaparadha, Asatmya
Indriyartha Samyoga, Atiyoga of Indriyas, Rajas–Tamas, Manovaha Srotas Dushti, and Nidra provide a
complementary conceptual framework. Approaches such as Sattvavajaya Chikitsa, Yoga, Pranayama, Dinacharya, and
Medhya Rasayana may have complementary potential.
Conclusion: Digital addiction requires a multidimensional approach. Ayurveda may complement behavioural interventions
through emphasis on mental regulation, sensory discipline, lifestyle balance, and self-control. However, these relationships
remain conceptual and require clinical validation.
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