Homeopathy Halts Hyperactivity

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Homeopathy Halts Hyperactivity

 

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly

diagnosed psychiatric disorder of children, afflicting about 3–5% in

the U.S. It is generally believed to be a physiological brain

disorder with a genetic component. Children with ADHD are impulsive,

overactive, inattentive, poor learners, and are frequently

disruptive, aggressive and uncontrollable.

 

ADHD is treated medically with stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, or

oral antihypertensives. While these medications are usually very

effective, side effects are possible, and most of these drugs are

not given to children under age six for fear of toxicity. Twenty

percent of ADHD children do not respond to the first stimulant drug

tried, or have a negative reaction to it.

 

Clinicians using homeopathy for ADHD have reported good results, but

objective evidence has been lacking. Now, a double blind, placebo-

controlled study of 43 children with ADHD shows that homeopathy can

be effective in treating the disorder.

 

In the study, children afflicted with ADHD were given either a

homeopathic treatment or a placebo for ten days, then parents or

caregivers rated the children on the amount of ADHD behavior they

displayed. Those receiving homeopathic medicines showed

significantly less ADHD behavior than those given placebos.

 

When evaluated in a follow-up interview two months after the study's

end, 57% of the children showing improvement with homeopathy had

continued to improve, even though they had discontinued the

homeopathic medicines; twenty-four percent relapsed by the time of

the follow-up; and the remaining 19% continued to experience

positive results, but only while taking the homeopathic medicines.

 

The homeopathic medicines found most helpful for ADHD were

Stramonium, Cina and Hyoscyamus niger. Stramonium was specifically

indicated when children had many fears, or suffered symptoms of post-

traumatic stress disorder; children who were physically aggressive

benefited most from Cina; and, children with manic or sexualized

symptoms responded most favorably to Hyoscyamus niger. Based on

information in: British Homeopathic Journal, Oct 1997

 

Excerpted from Spectrum Magazine