Part V - Alternative Treatments and ADHD - Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic Remedies

     When considering homeopathic treatments for any disorder or malady, a plethora of articles can be found to support or dispute their effect. However, yet again, it is important to look closely at the proposed treatment modalities to determine efficacy. A review of available studies was conducted in regard to the use of homeopathy in subjects with the ADHD diagnosis.^Q Results showed that the use of homeopathy did not provide significant treatment outcomes and authors concluded that there is little evidence to support the use of homeopathy in people with the ADHD diagnosis.^Q A 2005 randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled crossover trial studied the benefits of homeopathic medication in 83 children diagnosed with ADHD over the course of 12 weeks.^R Results indicated efficacy in those treated with homeopathic medication when compared with the control group, specifically in terms of behavioral and cognitive functioning.^R Similarly, a group of 115 children with the ADHD diagnosis were treated with a traditional medicine approach (methylphenidate) or a homeopathic medicine approach and evaluated in terms of ADHD symptoms.^S Though homeopathic remedies were shown to have a positive effect in 75% of the subjects, limitations were also noted.^S The authors stated that though homeopathic medication showed a positive effect on symptoms, response times were oftentimes lengthy, thus posing a potential downfall in situations in which amelioration of symptoms is deemed urgent.^S Further, authors reported that, “The choice of the correct medication is dependent on the individuality of the symptoms, if a patient only has the ‘standard symptoms’ of ADHD and nothing peculiar, the homeopathic physician may have to make ‘therapeutic trials’ to find the correct medicine.”^S Authors also stated that homeopathic medication may have additional benefits for treatment such as a low side effect profile, ease of administration, and no abuse potential, leading to the conclusion that homeopathic medications may have unique potential for benefit.^S As has been mentioned before, this treatment option may have potential in some cases but would require unique and detailed investigation of the particular situation prior to recommendation.

References

Q. Heirs M, Dean ME. Homeopathy for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder or hyperkinetic disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2007; 4: 1-3.

R. Frei H, Everts R, Von Ammon K, et al. Homeopathic treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial. European Journal of Pediatrics. 2005; 164: 758-767.

S. Frei H, Thurneysen A. Treatment for hyperactive children: Homeopathy and methylphenidate compared in a family setting. British Homeopathic Journal. 2001; 90: 183-188.