Homeopathic treatment for ADHD and Autism Spectrum Dissorders

A review of clinical trials investigating homeopathic treatment for ADHD published in the Cochrane database in 2009 was inconclusive due to the heterogeneity of the trials.9 In their series of systematic reviews of different approaches to homeopathic treatment, Mathie et al.10–12 suggest that individualized homeopathy shows the most promise of possible efficacy in treating health conditions.9,13–1

Homeopathic Treatment of Children and Youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and the most prevalent mental disorder in children worldwide.1 Recent U.S. data suggest that 9.4% of children aging 2–17 years in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD at one point in their childhood.2 Many children and adolescents find effective treatment with pharmaceutical medications and/or behavioral interventions; however, ∼30% of diagnosed children are deemed as nonresponders.3 Two-thirds of those with ADHD report to be using traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine treatments of various kinds.4 Homeopathy involves the treatment of patients using natural substances that are diluted and succussed (vigorous shaking).5 Results of systematic reviews show a slight positive effect of homeopathic medicines when compared with placebo; however, the mechanism of action is unknown and the paucity of studies make the conclusion tentative at best.6 Research on the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment (i.e., seeing a homeopathic practitioner) show more encouraging results.7,8  According to  Randomized Three-Arm Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Homeopathic Treatment of Children and Youth with ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder concluded that homeopathic consultations provided over 8 months with the use of homeopathic remedy was associated with a decrease in ADHD symptoms in children aging 6–16 years when compared with usual treatment alone. Children treated with homeopathic consultations and placebo experienced a similar decrease in ADHD symptoms; however, this finding did not reach statistical significance when correcting for multiple comparisons. Homeopathic remedies in and of themselves were not associated with any change in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical Trial Registration: This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02086864.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD affects 3-5% of all children. It is often misdiagnosed and treatment plans are not always effective.

The condition is frustrating for the child, the parent and the rest of the family. Teachers, physicians and other health care professionals become frustrated, as well. To achieve the best results, everyone in the child’s environment needs to work together.

If your child has ADHD, he or she needs your help, guidance and understanding. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to raise a child with ADHD. My goal here on this site is to help you, the parent, learn about the condition and understand the treatment options, including available and safe natural ADHD treatment

Symptoms of ADHD

The most common symptoms of ADHD are impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. But, your child might not have all of these behavioral problems. Some kids are primarily hyperactive. Others get sidetracked easily, become bored or daydream, when they should be learning a new skill.

behavioral characteristicsImpulsive behaviors are sometimes difficult to identify. All of us act without thinking, sometimes. That’s one reason that ADHD is difficult to diagnose. The that accompany the condition are present in everyone, from time to time.

But, when a child’s impulsivity, hyperactivity or inability to concentrate begins to affect his performance at school or his relationship with family and friends, then professional help is needed. That does not necessarily mean that they require medication. Sometimes, doctors and parents quickly turn to prescription medications, without first considering all of their options.

Homeopathic treatment for ADHD Options

You need to remember that the stimulant drugs that are used to treat ADHD are not a “cure”. In some cases, they help. In others, they create more problems. We tried the drugs, but even at the lowest dosage, my normally happy son came home from school in tears, every single day. Some kids simply cannot tolerate any stimulant, no matter how low the dosage.

A more holistic approach, treating the “whole” child using natural homeopathic treatment for ADHD, worked for us. Numerous studies have shown that medication alone is not the most effective treatment plan. It may be a quick and easy solution, but there are no “magic pills”.

Many factors may play a role in your child’s behavioral problems. Diet is often part of the problem. Too much sugar, artificial colors and preservatives increase irritability, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Good nutrition is of the utmost importance. Kids need to eat right and take a good multi-vitamin, as well as an
omega-3 or fish oil supplement.

Homeopathic treatment for ADHD and Autism Spectrum DissordersIf your child is hyperactive in school, change your routine. Get up early in the morning. Go for a brisk walk or run before school. Get him involved in an organized sport, karate or other physical activity that will help him or her “burn-off” some of that restless energy.

Try homeeopathic remedies for ADHD
before you turn to prescription medication. It has always seemed illogical to me to give a child stimulants. But, there are many herbs and botanical extracts that are “soothing”.

Additional ADHD Treatment Options


Hyoscyamus

Known to reduce restlessness and over-excitability, this homeopathic remedy showed positive results in a controlled study conducted in 1997. In general, the plant extract reduces outbursts, fidgeting and hyperactive behaviors.


Tuberculinum

This homeopathic remedy is traditionally recommended for those who need constant stimulation or change, in other words, for those who get “bored” easily. It is also beneficial for the relief of irritability, destructive behaviors and feelings of discontent.


Arsen iod

This extract promotes balance, reduces temperamental outbursts or temper tantrums. It also tends to reduce frustration that can occur when learning new skills.


Verta alb

Used to soothe the nerves, verta alb is often recommended by homeopaths for hyperactive children.

Now, all of these solutions must be properly prepared according to the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia and you should only purchase the remedy from a reliable manufacturer.

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or you have noticed the behavioral problems that typically accompany the condition, learn more about the condition and read the testimonials written by other parents. Both you and your child will be glad that you made the effort to find a natural ADHD treatment option.

Conclusion

In this study, homeopathic consultations provided over 8 months with the use of homeopathic remedy was associated with a decrease in ADHD symptoms in children aging 6–16 years when compared with usual treatment alone. Children treated with homeopathic consultations and placebo experienced a similar decrease in ADHD symptoms; however, this finding did not reach statistical significance when correcting for multiple comparisons. Homeopathic remedies in and of themselves were not associated with any change in ADHD symptoms. Parents of the children in the study who received homeopathic consultations (with or without homeopathic remedy) also reported greater coping efficacy.
Further investigation with respect to the mechanism of action of this intervention, if/how the homeopathic remedy is related to the outcome and/or if other types of consultations or psychological interventions may also be beneficial is warranted.