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by Debbie Lindgren, CIHom
The National Institute of Health estimates that 2 million children in the United States have ADHD. This means that in a classroom of 25-30 children, one child will be affected. If your child is the one being identified as having or suspected of having ADHD, homeopathy is an option worth exploring.
Over the years, the use of homeopathy for use in ADHD has been studied with the outcomes being mixed; some studies show the use of homeopathy to be beneficial while other studies demonstrate the opposite1. In 2007, a randomized, placebo controlled, cross-over trial in ADHD patients was designed with a screening phase to determine the response of each child to homeopathic medications and an optimal remedy was identified2 . The median time to complete the screening process and make adjustments to find the optimal remedy was 5 months. The authors concluded that a study of homeopathy in ADHD children has a high risk of failure if the observation time is shorter than 12 months. In addition, a different study showed that children who have been treated with traditional stimulant ADHD medications react more slowly to homeopathy and required an additional 1 _ months to show the same response rate as those children who had not been on stimulant medication3.
Methylphenidate or Homeopathy?
A study with children aged 3-17 with a diagnosis of ADHD and a score of 14 or higher on the Connors Global Index, an evaluation tool for ADHD, compared the efficacy of homeopathy to methylphenidate. Methylphenidate or MPD is used in commonly prescribed ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Concerta. All of the participants received an individual homeopathic treatment. After an average treatment time of 3 _ months, 75% of children (86 children) responded well to their homeopathic with an average reduction of 55% of their Connors Global Index ratings. 22% (25 children) did not respond to their homeopathic treatments and were placed on MPD and their average reduction on the Connors Global Index was 48%. The researchers concluded the reported results of homeopathic treatment appears to be similar to the effects of MPD and if treatment of an ADHD child is not urgent, than homeopathy is a valuable alternative4.
In another study, 59 children who were screened and had an individualized homeopathic remedy prescribed, participated in a study that compared homeopathy to a placebo. The Connors Global Index was again used as a measurement tool. The scores were significantly better with homeopathic treatment than with a placebo5. The median Conner's rating for ADHD symptoms dropped from 19 at the start of treatment to a median of 8 within 6 weeks after the crossover phase of the trial for those being treated homeopathically6.
What to Expect When Visiting a Homeopath
The initial intake with your homeopath can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. ADHD is a broad term and the homeopath makes it their job to understand the particulars in your child's case. They will also ask questions regarding your child's medical history and other medications, vaccinations, supplements, dietary preferences, emotional or physical traumas, fears, stress, lifestyle, sleep and dreams, etc. This is done so the best remedy that fits your child's particular set of symptoms is selected. Individualization is the key in homeopathy and there is no such thing as "THE" ADHD remedy. Just because one remedy works for one ADHD child does not mean that it will work for another.
A homeopath will also make note of any behaviors or physical symptoms she observes such as red circles under the eyes, rashes, color of the skin, etc. All of this is useful in helping to select the remedy.
Once the information is compiled, the homeopath will suggest a remedy and provide dosage information. It is very important that doseage instructions are diligently followed. Some homeopaths will start with a lower potency, and more frequent dosing while others may start with a higher potency that requires less frequent dosing.
Follow-up appointments should be scheduled to check on your child's progress to determine whether the same remedy should be continued or whether a new symptom picture is emerging requiring a different remedy.
How to find a homeopath in your area
1. American Institute of Homeopathy has a list of Medical Doctors who also practice homeopathy available. http://homeopathyusa.org/member-directory.html
2. Classical Homeopaths including MDs and DOs in the United States http://homeopathic-md-do.com/BombaySchool.html
3. Homeopathic Educational Service, Berkeley, CA (415) 649-0294
4. International Foundation for Homeopathy, Seattle, WA (206) 324-8230
5. National Center for Homeopathy, Washington, DC (202) 223-6182
Recommended Books
1. Ritalin-Free Kids: Safe and Effective Homeopathic Medicine for ADHD and Other Behavioral and Learning Problems
by Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman and Robert Ullman
Provides a basic overview of homeopathy and case studies of children treated by the Ullmans. If you are unfamiliar with homeopathy and are looking for a natural way to treat your child, this book is a good way to familiarize yourself with these principals and the amazing progress some of their clients make with homeopathy.2. Homeopathic Medicine for Mental Health
by Trevor Smith, M.D.
This book begins with emotional problems that can develop in an infant and ends with emotional problems that can manifest in adulthood. It touches on everything from fears, anxieties, obsessions, insomnia, mood-swings, etc., and provides an overview of homeopathic remedies that are best suited to those issues. This is a great book for self-help or to discuss with your practitioner when selecting a remedy.3. The Complete Book of Homeopathy
by Dr. Michael Weiner. This book walks you through the basics of homeopathy and discusses the principles of homeopathy, aggravations, and detailed overviews of commonly prescribed homeopathic remedies and homeopathic constitutions. There is even a section for first-aid remedies.4. Emotional Healing With Homeopathy: A Self-Help Manual
by Peter Chappell and forward by Brian Kaplan M.D. This book explores the role of emotional trauma and their impact on our lives. The author covers trauma from birth to war trauma and everything in between. He provides a comprehensive picture of each remedy he discusses to help both the beginning parent and practicing homeopaths.5. Impossible Cure: The Promise of Homeopathy
by Amy Lansky. This book is a great introduction to the world of homeopathy. Amy Lansky worked at NASA with her husband, but once her younger son began to exhibit signs of autism, Amy investigated programs and therapies that would benefit her son. She discovered homeopathy, explains wonderfully how homeopathy works, and recovered her son by using homeopathy, changing her son's diet, and prayer.1Mayo Clinic Proceedings, "Homeopathy for childhood and adolescence ailments: systematic review of randomized clinical trials." 2007 Jan;82(1):69-75. View Abstract
2Frei, H. et all. "Randomised controlled trials of homeopathy in hyperactive children." Homeopathy: 2007 Jan;96(1):35-41.
3Heiner Frei, Andre Thurneysen, Klaus von Ammon, Jennifer Jacobs. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. March 1, 2006, 12(2): 104-104. doi:10.1089/acm.2006.12.104.
4Frei, H and Thurneysen A. "Treatment for hyperactive children: homeopathy and methylphenidate compared in a family setting." The British Homeopathic Journal. 2001 Oct;90(4):183-8. View Abstract
5Frei, H. et all. "Homeopathic treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial." 2005 Dec;164.(12). View Abstract
6http://www.cure-guide.com/Natural_Health_Newsletter/Homeopathy_and_ADHD/homeopathy_and_adhd.html
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