Over the past decade, the prevalence and pharmacologic treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have increased dramatically in the United States evidenced by a three-fold increase of the prescription of stimulant medication to these children. (Robison et al). Prescriptions for methylphenidate have increased three- to six-fold since 1990 (LeFever et al), bringing into question possible overdiagnosis and overmedication of the disorder now being addressed by addressed through congressional hearings. Also significant are such side effects as insomnia, anxiety, appetite loss, growth retardation, and, less frequently, tics (Wilens).

Homeopathic medicine administered by a qualified, experienced practitioner, has been shown to be a viable alternative to stimulant and antidepressive medications. In a 1997 controlled study, Lamont assigned 43 children with ADHD to either placebo or homeopathic treatment in a double blind, partial crossover study. Medicines or placebos were administered to children by parents or caregivers. After ten days, the children in the placebo group were given homeopathic medicines. Statistical comparisons were based on parent or caregiver ratings of ADHD behavior before and after treatment. Scores for subjects in the initial placebo group were compared with those in the initial homeopathic group as well as evaluating those in the initial placebo group after they received a single homeopathic medicine. The author found statistically signficant differences for both comparisons, supporting the hypothesis that homeopathic treatment is superior to placebo in treating children with ADHD (Lamont).

Comments

In our clinical experience of treating over 1500 children with ADHD and other behavioral and learning disorders over the past ten years, we have found homeopathy to be significantly effective as an alternative or, less often, adjunct to stimulant and antidepressive medications. In children with ADHD succcessfully treated with homeopathy, we see the following: at least a 70 percent improvement in attention, grades, ability to complete school work, cooperativeness, self-esteem, and social skills, and other physical, mental, or emotional problems and a decrease in restlessness, impulsivity, aggressiveness, and inappropriate behaviors.

Significant improvement in learning and behavior typically occur within one to five weeks after taking a well-chosen homeopathic medicine; further improvement continues over the following months. Therefore, Lamont’s evaluation of children ten days following the administration of a homeopathic medicine resulting in a “much better rating” may have been premature. Given more time, the statistics may have favored homeopathy over placebo to an even greater degree.

References

Lamont J. Homoeopathic treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a controlled study.Brit Homeop J. 1997;86:196-200.

LeFever G, Dawson K, Morrow A. The extent of drug therapy for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder among children in public schools. Am J Public Health. 1999;89:1359-1364.

Reichenberg-Ullman J, Ullman R. Ritalin-Free Kids. Rocklin, CA: Prima, 1996.

Robison L, Sclar, D, Skaer T, Galin, R. National trends in the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the prescribing of methylphenidate among school-age children: 1990-1995. Clin Pediatr. 1999;38:209-217.

Wilens T. Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications for Kids. New York: Guilford, 1998.