The Issue: Increasing numbers of parents are seeking professional help for their children and teenagers whose behavior is seen to be extreme, even out of control.

Often these children are treated with medication. For example, stimulants, such as Ritalin, may be prescribed to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder). Alternatively, bio-medical treatment may involve the child being put on a restricted diet and taking nutritional supplements.

A Gentle Alternative to Conventional Treatments

Homœopathic medicine offers a very different approach to the treatment of challenging behavior. Homœopathy is a system of medicine that has been practiced for over 200 years, and offers a highly individualized method of treatment. The child’s unique symptoms and behavioral patterns are matched with the symptom picture of a corresponding homœopathic medicine. Homœopathic medicines are made from natural substances prepared in minute doses. The chosen medicine is usually taken for only a few days or a week, and possibly repeated weekly or monthly for some months.

Outcomes

With the correct medicine, we would expect:

• A marked improvement in the child’s behavior
  

  • An overall improvement in the child’s general health
    

  • In general, a more balanced individual
    
    

Case Study
An 8-year-old boy came for homœopathic treatment because he was always in trouble at school, unable to focus in class. His mother complained that he was easily distracted at home and in particular that he was constantly restless, his legs always jiggling. This restlessness also occurred during sleep and he would also often wake at night in a state of fright. These symptoms matched the homœopathic medicine zincum, and he was prescribed doses of 5 drops once a week. Six weeks later there was a marked change in his behavior. The night terrors had ceased, he was much more settled and focused both in school and at home and the physical restlessness was greatly reduced.

Research Findings
A recent German study of 115 children diagnosed with ADHD, showed that 75% responded favorably to homeopathic treatment. This figure is confirmed in anecdotal reports from practitioners in Australia and the USA. The results are similar to studies of stimulant medication in treatment of ADHD. ( Frei H & Thurneysen A, (2001) British Homeopathic Journal (2001) 90, 1831)

Advantages of Homœopathy

• Stimulants can have side-effects such as anxiety and insomnia. Homeopathic treatment is safe and natural, with no side effects.
  

• Stimulants have to be taken every day. Homeopathic medicines are taken infrequently, and repeated only when the positive effects wear off.
  

• You don’t have to choose one or the other - you can use homeopathic medicine in conjunction with conventional and/or bio-medical treatments.
  

• You can expect to see results within a few weeks, but commitment to a longer-term treatment program of at least a year is important to bring about lasting change. The child is usually re-assessed every 4-6 weeks.