Strategies for Working with Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity
Todd Rowe MD, MD(H), CCH, DHt
With over 250 patients successfully supported using homeopathic approaches, Dr. Todd Rowe shares his expertise in addressing ADD symptoms through natural, individualized methods that offer a 75-80% success rate while avoiding the side effects of conventional treatments.
About Dr. Todd Rowe
Dr. Todd Rowe brings extensive credentials and experience to his practice, including board certification in psychiatry, training at Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture, and comprehensive background in both research and authorship. His journey into homeopathic approaches began after witnessing the epidemic of ADD diagnoses and concerning side effects associated with conventional methods. This led him to seek alternatives and individualized methods for addressing symptoms, ultimately achieving excellent results with homeopathy in treating over 250 patients with ADD.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): An Overview
Attention Deficit Disorder, first described in 1902 by Dr. George Frederick Still, has undergone several terminological changes over the years. By 1994, the term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was adopted. Those diagnosed often display symptoms across various settings, characterized by a triad of challenges: poor attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Poor Attention
Carelessness, distraction, forgetfulness, and difficulty in organizing tasks and activities
Hyperactivity
Excessive talking, restlessness, inability to stay still, and difficulty playing quietly
Impulsivity
Interrupting others, blurting out answers, and difficulty waiting their turn
Moreover, those with ADD often experience low frustration tolerance, mood swings, self-esteem issues, a tendency towards mischief, and a need for constant stimulation. These characteristics can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, with the individual becoming a target for bullies or facing complaints from teachers.
DSM-IV Diagnostic Characteristics
- Symptoms persist for at least six months
- Symptoms have persisted since before age 7
- Symptoms must be present in two or more settings
- Social and academic impairments are evident
- Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in functioning
Risk Factors and Co-Morbid Conditions
Risk Factors
ADD is more common in boys and can be linked to various factors such as child abuse, neurotoxin exposure, infections, drug exposure during pregnancy, and even certain vaccinations.
Co-Morbid Conditions
Many with ADD may also contend with conditions like conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorders, learning disorders, and dyslexia, among others.
Homeopathic Materia Medica
With over 5000 homeopathic medicines available, any of them could potentially be used for ADD. Some medicines are more common than others, particularly from certain families:
Common Remedy Families
- Spider remedies
- Snake remedies
- Solanaceae
- Drug remedies
- Brain sarcodes
- Neurotransmitters
DesBio’s Complex Homeopathic Approaches
Complex homeopathic approaches provide temporary relief for medication side effects, medication actions, intensity of ADD symptoms, and overall brain function disturbances. These formulations offer flexibility in usage, can be used alongside traditional medications or as standalone options, and are available exclusively through consultation with a licensed practitioner.
Featured Product: FOCUS
DesBio’s FOCUS is designed to support overall brain function and temporarily relieve symptoms. This product can be combined with other DesBio products depending on the type of ADD and can be used alongside or without other medications.
Additional DesBio Homeopathic Formulations to Consider:
- Anxious: stress; anxiety; overwhelm; fear; worry
- Cerebromax: memory problems; emotional problems
- Dynamic Brain: absent-mindedness; confusion; mental dullness
- Elevate: stress; irritability; difficulty sleeping; motivation loss
- Epinephrine: stress; exhaustion
- Esteem: lack of self-esteem; lack of self-confidence
- GABA: anger; stress; sleeping difficulties; hostility
- Habit: cravings
- Mood Swings: guilt; impulsivity; racing thoughts; hyperactivity
- Motivation: boredom; aversion to mental work; loss of ambition
- Perfect Sleep: tiredness; fatigue; lack of energy
- PTS/Stress Remedy: terror; horror; difficulty sleeping; restlessness
- Rage: hatred; impulsivity; malice; rage; quarrelsomeness
- Spectric: agitation; anger; repetitive behaviors
- Stress EZ: stress; anxiety; sleep difficulties; poor digestion
Treatment Considerations and Support
Limits of Treatment
While homeopathy offers significant benefits, certain factors may limit treatment success including teenagers who sabotage treatment, patients unwilling to avoid antidotal factors, drug dependence, and quick fix mentality.
Compatible Therapies
Homeopathy is compatible with other forms of healing. Ancillary treatments that may become effective include family and individual counseling, chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, biofeedback, meditation, supplements and vitamins, dietary modifications, flower essences, and cell salts.
Helpful Daily Strategies
- Avoid overstimulation
- Help people with ADD take one step at a time; keep it simple
- Promote organization and structure; set limits
- Keep a schedule with predictable routine
- Write things down for clarity
- Encourage regular exercise
- Appreciate the uniqueness of children with ADD
- Avoid blame and maintain patience
- Address your own ADD if you have it
Recommended Resources
- “Ritalin Free Kids” by Judyth Reichenberg Ullman, ND, MSW and Robert Ullman, ND
- “Psychiatry and Homeopathy” by Fernando Risquez
- “Toxic Society and the War Against Children” by Peter Breggin
- “Myth of the ADD Child” by Thomas Armstrong, PhD
- “Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults” by Paul Wender, MD
- “Manual of Psychiatry for Homeopathic Students and Practitioners” by Dr. J. Bakshi
- “The American Institute of Homeopathy Handbook for Parents” by Dr. Ed Schalts
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) represents intricate challenges in today’s medical landscape. With an ever-growing number of individuals diagnosed with this condition, the quest for effective and holistic remedies becomes more pressing. Homeopathy, with its centuries-old foundation and emphasis on individualized care, emerges as a promising solution to address symptoms. Its natural approach not only provides temporary relief from symptoms but also focuses on the well-being of the whole person. The numerous studies and resources underscore its potential benefits and applicability for those grappling with ADD.
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