Disclaimer: Before starting any form of treatment, consult a mental healthcare professional. Homeopathic treatment cannot cure ADHD and you need to see a psychiatrist, RCI-registered clinical psychologist, clinical psychologist associate, or PsyD for a proper treatment plan and guidance.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain condition that has been on the rise in recent years. It is more common in children, but if neglected, adults might continue to exhibit ADHD symptoms that began in infancy. A study states that ADHD is more common in boys than in girls. Some parents have concerns about homoeopathy as an alternative or complementary treatment option.
Homoeopathy was founded in Germany over 200 years ago on the principles of "like cures like" and "the law of the minimum dose." These theories indicate that if a chemical is known to induce specific symptoms. It might be used to treat such symptoms in a person while utilising the least amount of the material possible. Herbs and common foods, minerals, and animal-derived substances are examples of these substances.
Many of the plants have popular folk medicine uses or have been demonstrated to have medical purposes when refined—but the dilution method employed in homoeopathy results in very little active material in the finished product.
Causes and Symptoms
Researchers are currently investigating the aspects that may contribute to ADHD. However, there is a possibility that this disease is hereditary. In today's fast-paced society, parents frequently fail to provide their children with adequate attention and care, resulting in ADHD.
ADHD symptoms can range from minor to severe. These symptoms often appear before the age of twelve years, though they may appear as early as three years in some children. Children with ADHD struggle to pay attention, are often distracted, regularly forget to complete everyday responsibilities, may avoid or dislike things that involve mental effort, and have difficulty organising tasks and activities. Other symptoms include hyperactivity and hypersensitivity, such as excessive talking and interrupting other people's conversations.
Importance of Homeopathy
Homoeopathy is mind-body medicine. It analyses and treats subtle variations at one’s emotional, mental, social, spiritual levels and also behaviour, which directly affect health.
It looks for the root causes of various health problems and provides individualised treatments designed to help the person restore balance and heal from within.
For people with ADHD, homoeopathy can help work on the underlying imbalances in the body that may be contributing to the symptoms. Homoeopathic remedies contain natural ingredients, such as herbal extracts and minerals. That can help to restore balance in the body’s systems without any side effects.
Thus, overall homoeopathy stands out for its patient-centric approach, aiming not only to alleviate symptoms but also to understand the person as a whole. In the case of women with ADHD, this approach is particularly vital, recognizing that each individual experiences ADHD in a unique way.
Homeopathic Tool Box for ADHD
Homoeopathic therapies for ADHD often use organic ingredients that alleviate specific symptoms.
Among the well-known ingredients are:
Hyoscyamus: This treatment has calming properties and is frequently used to treat restlessness and impulsive behaviour.
Stramonium: This plant-based therapy has been demonstrated to aid in the treatment of aggression and fear.
Verta Alb: Verta Alb may be a useful option for children who struggle with concentration and focus.
Remember that every child is unique. Consult a skilled homoeopath to determine the best treatments for your child. They will assess your child's specific needs and recommend the best treatment strategy.
Homeopathy vs. Conventional ADHD Treatments
When it comes to treating ADHD in children, the usual options are medication and behaviour therapy. But how do homoeopathic remedies match up? Let's analyse the benefits and drawbacks of both options to see which one is best for your child.
The pros of Homoeopathy-
- Natural ingredients: Because homoeopathic treatments are made from natural materials, they appeal to parents who prefer a more natural approach.
- Fewer adverse effects: Because homoeopathic remedies are administered in minute dosages, they typically have fewer negative effects than conventional drugs.
- Customised care: Because homoeopathy treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms, it allows for more personalised therapy.
Assume you're a parent concerned about the side effects of traditional drugs. In that situation, ADHD homoeopathic treatment may be a more moderate option. These therapies are often gentle on the body because they use natural ingredients. Furthermore, homoeopathy emphasises personalised care. This means that your child can receive a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to their requirements. When contemplating homoeopathic treatments for ADHD, the benefits go beyond symptom relief—they strive for a personalised approach to total well-being.
The cons of Homoeopathy-
- Minimal scientific evidence : Despite widespread claims to the contrary, there aren't many credible scientific studies demonstrating the efficacy of homoeopathic therapy for ADHD.
- Time-consuming: In comparison to conventional therapies, homoeopathic medicines could take longer to produce benefits.
- Seeking a qualified homoeopath: It can be challenging to locate a licenced homoeopath who is skilled in treating ADHD in some areas.
Homoeopathy, on the other hand, has its drawbacks. The lack of convincing scientific evidence for its efficacy is among the biggest worries. This implies that while some individuals may see excellent outcomes, others may not experience any change. Additionally, homoeopathic treatments may take longer to be effective, which may frustrate parents who want to see results right away. Finally, it can be difficult, particularly in some places, to find a qualified homoeopath who specialises in ADHD.
Along with to these treatments, there are a variety of lifestyle adjustments that can improve the efficacy of homoeopathy for ADHD. They include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good sleeping habits. To help their child manage symptoms, parents may choose to consider alternative therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness meditation.
It is critical to keep in mind that homoeopathy should not be used in place of regular medical care for ADHD. It can still benefit a comprehensive treatment strategy that includes medicine, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Concluding words
Homoeopathic remedies for ADHD might be worth exploring while you search for the best cure for your neurodivergent youngster. But keep in mind that homoeopathy should be used in combination with other treatments, not in place of them. The best treatment plan can only be developed by working together with your child's healthcare providers and maintaining an open mind.
In conclusion, homoeopathic remedies for ADHD offer a holistic approach to managing symptoms, focusing on individualised care and utilizing natural ingredients. While they may appeal to parents seeking a more gentle and personalised treatment option, it's essential to acknowledge the limitations, including minimal scientific evidence and potential time-consuming effects. However, when used in conjunction with conventional treatments and lifestyle adjustments, homoeopathy can contribute to a comprehensive ADHD management plan.
For personalised advice and treatment options, consider consulting with healthcare providers and exploring resources such as Rocket Health for guidance on navigating ADHD treatment options effectively.
References
Sharma, V., MD. (2019, February 12). Homeopathic Medicines for ADHD | Dr. Vikas
Sharma, MD. Homeopathy at DrHomeo.com.
https://www.drhomeo.com/adhd/homeopathic-remedies-for-adhd-treatment/
Homeopathy: Is it effective for ADHD? - CHADD. (2018, May 8). CHADD.
https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/homeopathy-is-it-effective-for-adhd/
Skogli, E. W., Teicher, M. H., Andersen, P., Hovik, K. T., & Øie, M. G. (2013). ADHD in
girls and boys – gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures. BMC Psychiatry, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244x-13-298