Homeopathy for Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD / ADHD)

Hyperactive children are unique, fascinating, and often brilliant children, but they frequently end up in exceptional student education programming for learning or behavioral problems. Untreated, some children will outgrow the condition; others will become hyperactive adults. An increasing number of families are dissatisfied with stimulant medications, like Ritalin and Dexedrine, and more parents are seeking deeper answers for their children’s behavior through natural alternatives.

The homeopathic approach to attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD) is very different from that of conventional medicine. There are over 2000 homeopathic medicines, rather than the small number of conventional medications used to treat ADD/ADHD. Homeopathy can offer an effective solution for many children.

Taking the case of Teddy

As an example, let’s look at the case of “Teddy,” a nine-year-old. Teddy was a classic overly active boy. He frequently hummed and fidgeted, was in and out of his chair in the classroom, swung his legs, and tapped his fingers. He talked excessively, often chattering to his brothers and sisters after they had fallen asleep. Teddy was impatient and couldn’t be left unsupervised in a store because he wandered off. He sometimes stole small things, like coins and Lifesavers. Yet he was also generous and was described as having a “heart of gold.”

Teddy had been diagnosed with an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, for which Ritalin had been recommended. His mother had had success with homeopathy for other conditions and chose this approach over the medication. After taking an extensive case history that included both physical and psychological/emotional characteristics, I recommended a single dose of Tarentula hispanica. This medication is appropriate for people whose nervous systems are overstimulated and who have a difficult time sitting still. They love dancing, bright colors, and lively music. They can also have a tendency toward kleptomania. All these characteristics applied to Teddy. I primarily chose Tarentula, however, because of his extreme restlessness and his compulsion to hurry. For Teddy, nothing seemed to happen fast enough; his nervous system seemed wound up all the time.

Reconsidering the remedy

After a few weeks, it was clear that the Tarentula had had no effect on Teddy’s hyperactivity. I knew that there should be one single homeopathic medicine that could profoundly alter Teddy’s behavior — but which one? I reconsidered his entire profile of symptoms and decided that what was unique about Teddy was his unending busyness. Veratrum album is known to help people become so engaged in activity for its own sake that their actions can become rituals. Teddy, for example, was so busy moving and talking that he often continued conversing with someone even when he had received no response. He acted as though a switch inside him were turned on, and no one, least of all Teddy, knew how to turn it off. I changed the prescription to Veratrum and gave him one dose.

When Teddy’s mother brought him back for an office visit two months later, she was delighted with the changes. Within two days of taking the Veratrum, the hyperactive behavior had almost disappeared. His teacher even called the home to ask what had been done. Two years after taking the Veratrum, Teddy has continued to do well and has not needed further homeopathic treatment.

Many homeopathic medicines are available in natural food stores. Self-treatment with homeopathy can often be beneficial for short-term, acute problems. For a more permanent solution to a chronic condition, however, such as hyperactivity, it is important to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner. One dose of the proper remedy can usually last six months to a year or more, and the treatment will not have to be repeated unless the behavior deteriorates. (If the youngster is on stimulant medication, the homeopathic medicine may need to be given more often.) I have found that about 70 percent of children professionally treated with homeopathy for hyperactivity improve significantly, and many, dramatically.

For more information

The Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians www.hanp.net

National Center for Homeopathy www.homeopathic.org

Homeopathic Educational Services www.homeopathic.com