Strategies for Working with Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity
Todd Rowe MD, MD(H), CCH, DHt:
- Board Certification, Licensure
- Background and Training, Research and Authorship
- Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture
- Board certified psychiatrist
- Experience in Treating ADD with traditional methods:
- Epidemic
- Side effects
- Epidemic and Side effects associated with conventional methods had him looking for alternatives and individualized methods for addressing symptoms
- Excellent results with Homeopathy
- Has utilized homeopathically with over 250 patients with ADD
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD): 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, such as:
- Poor attention: carelessness, distraction, forgetfulness, difficulty in organizing.
- Hyperactivity: excessive talking, restlessness, inability to stay still.
- Impulsivity: interrupting others, blurting out answers, 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.
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.
Characteristics of ADD/ADHD (DSMIV)?
- Symptoms persist for at least six months
- Symptoms have persisted since before age 7
- Symptoms must be present in two or more settings
- Social, academic impairments
- Poor attention (difficulty sustaining attention; careless mistakes; doesn’t listen well; does not follow through well on instructions; difficulty organizing tasks; avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort; often loses things; easily distracted by stimuli; forgetful in daily activities)
- Hyperactivity (fidgets or squirms in seat; unable to stay in seat; overactive in inappropriate situations; difficulty playing quietly; often “on the go”; talks excessively)
- Impulsivity (blurts out answers; difficulty waiting turn; interrupts or intrudes on others)
Homeopathic Approach to ADD/ADHD: Why Choose Homeopathy? Homeopathy offers a gentle and effective methods to address symptoms. Some key benefits include:
- A 75-80% success rate, rivaling conventional methods
- A holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and mental symptoms.
- The use of natural remedies, reducing the risk of addiction and side effects.
- Reduced cost and shorter duration of symptoms
Effectiveness of Homeopathy? Several studies have confirmed the efficacy of homeopathy for ADHD. In these studies, homeopathy performed on par with, if not better than, conventional methods.
Summary of Relevant Research on Homeopathy for ADHD:
- Study by Frei H, Thurneysen A in BHJ 90: 183-188, 2001 with 115 children showed a 75% success rate. The study concluded that homeopathic approaches are as effective as pharmacological methods for addressing ADHD symptoms.
- Studies Published in European Journal of Pediatrics involving 62 patients in a randomized, partially blinded trial and a clinical observation study concluded that homeopathy has a positive impact on ADHD patients. The research involved 83 children, aged between 6-16, diagnosed with ADHD using DSM-IV criteria. Significant improvements were recorded using Connor’s global index (CGI) with a P-value <0.0001.
- A double-blind study by John Lamont, PhD compared the efficacy of homeopathy and placebo with 43 children diagnosed with ADHD. Evaluations were based on parent or caretaker assessments of ADHD behaviors, using a 200C potency. The results demonstrated a swift positive response, typically within three days. A 2-month follow-up revealed that 57% of the participants exhibited sustained improvements.
Homeopathic Materia Medica: With over 5000 homeopathic medicines available, any of them could potentially be used for ADD.
Some medicines more common than others, common families:
- Spider remedies
- Snake remedies
- Solanaceae
- Drug remedies
- Brain sarcodes
- Neurotransmitters
Most Common Homeopathic Remedies:
- Agaricus muscarius
- Anacardium orientale
- Argentum nitricum
- Arsenicum Iodatum
- Belladonna
- Calcarea Phosphorica
- Camphora
- Cannabis Indica
- Chamomilla
- Cina
- Crotallus horridus
- Gallic Acid
- Hepar Sulphuris
- Hyoscyamus
- Iodum
- Kali Bromatum
- Lachesis
- Lycopodium
- Lyssinum
- Mancinella
- Medorrhinum
- Nux Vomica
- Rhus Toxicodendron
- Stramonium
- Sulphur
- Tarentula
- Tuberculinum
- Veratrum Album
- Zincum Metallicum
In addition, combination homeopathic products are available. Complex Homeopathic Approaches provide temporary relief for:
- Medication side effects
- Medication actions
- Intensity of ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Overall brain function disturbances
Flexibility in usage: Can be used alongside traditional medications or as standalone options.
Availability: Exclusively through consultation with a licensed practitioner.
Adaptability: Can be combined with other supportive products tailored to the specific type of ADD being addressed.
DesBio’s FOCUS is one such product 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.
Other 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; feelings of self-loathing
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; inattention
Motivation: boredom; aversion to mental work; loss of ambition; hopelessness; lack of passion for things
Perfect Sleep: tiredness; fatigue; lack of energy
PTS/Stress Remedy: terror; horror; difficulty sleeping; restlessness; fight or flight response; easy irritability
Rage: hatred; impulsivity; malice; rage; quarrelsomeness
Spectric: agitation; anger; repetitive behaviors
Stress EZ: stress; anxiety; sleep difficulties; poor digestion; headaches
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
Limits of Treatment?
- Teenagers who sabotage treatment
- Patients unwilling to avoid antidotal factors
- Drug dependence
- Quick fix mentality
Can I Use Homeopathy and Alternative Treatment?
- Homeopathy is compatible with other forms of healing
- Ancillary treatments may become effective
- Difficult to determine what is doing what
- Family and individual counseling
- Chiropractic
- Craniosacral therapy
- Biofeedback
- Meditation
- Supplements, vitamins, minerals
- Diets
- Flower essences
- Cell salts
Other helpful considerations:
- Avoid overstimulation
- Help people with ADD take one step at a time; keep it simple
- Promote organization and structure; set limits
- Keep a schedule; predictable routine
- Write it down
- Exercise
- Appreciate the uniqueness of children with ADD
- Don’t blame
- Address your own ADD if you have it
In conclusion, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) represent intricate challenges in today’s medical landscape. With an ever-growing number of individuals diagnosed with these conditions, 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/ADHD.
DesBio empowers practitioners and their patients through targeted supplements and homeopathic remedies. DesBio is more than just a product company, we are a partner in your practice. Our practitioners have direct access to consults with our team of medical educators and our training and educational programs focus on diagnostic strategies, clinical how-tos, case studies, and troubleshooting tips to help you manage the increasingly complex needs of your patient base.
If you are a healthcare practitioner and would like to join our DesBio practitioner community visit https://desbio.com/apply-now/
