Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Treatment begins with awareness

Although Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is currently the most commonly diagnosed childhood behavioral disorder (affecting an estimated 3 to 5% of children), ADHD is far more common among adults than people generally recognize.

It is believed that more than 8 million adults have the disorder and the vast majority have not been diagnosed.

Homeopathic way of treatment

Through a number of trials, homeopathy has shown to be effective in reducing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorer symptoms of restlessness, inattentiveness and impulsiveness.

The main treatments that most people know about and that most people with ADHD are using are allopathic stimulant medications. These act b changing chemicals in the brain to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants for children with ADHD are Ritalin, Dexedrine and Cylert. At least 2 million children in the US are prescribed stimulant medications for ADHD. This number doubles every 2 years. A report by the United Nations in 1996 revealed that 3 to 5% of school aged children in the US were taking Ritalin.

• Stimulants provide only short term superficial healing and do not in any way treat the root cause of the problem.
• The effect of stimulants last only for 4 to 8 hours.
• Stimulants do not treat all the symptoms manifested in children who suffer from ADHD.
• Stimulants seem to be effective only in 70% of the children with ADHD.
• Stimulants can cause side effects such as appetite loss, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, tics and stomachaches.
• Parents of some children with ADHD who were administered these stimulants report other side effects such as increased heart rate or BP, drowsiness, social withdrawl, irritability and moodiness, and involuntary movements or sounds.
• Stimulants get children into the habit of taking drugs.
• Stimulants may need to be taken throughout life as they do not address the problems from root cause.

But homeopathy takes a different approach

Unlike allopathic stimulant drugs homeopathy does not try to suppress elements of an individual behavior, rather it aims to redress any imbalance in the body naturally without altering the body with drugs. This has the outcome of reducing the symptoms of ADHD without changing or altering the personality or physical elements, one of the main side effects of stimulants.

Homeoapthy reviews a person in their entirety, so practitioners will take detailed medical histories so they can address all the ailments that may be effecting a person.

So, rather than focusing only on the ADHD, they might look at why a child always has a cold or a reccuring ear infection and so on. Treatments are always individualized and the risk of side effects is nil if the treatment has been accurately chosen and the dosages are correct.

If the child is already on stimulants and homeopathic treatment is being considered, the child can continue the stimulant medication while taking homeopathic remedies. The allopathic stimulants can be slowly reduced under the recommendation of the child's doctor.

The selection of the homeopathic remedies that will act deeply enough to change the child's behavior permanently is difficult and can take some time. The patient and the parents need to be good observers and good historians.

Homeopathic treatment sets off a process of self healing. It does not always produce instant relief of symptoms but it works slowly and steadily and its effects last much longer than allopathic treatment. Homeopathy requires patience and a willingness to put lots of efforts into the treatment process.

The homeopath will try to find the most unique symptoms of the child, and that often requires a process of consultation and review over a period of several months.

We see some children who have been taking Ritalin for a period of time, and when they begin to withdraw this drug, we may have to deal with rebound symptoms for a while.

There are 99 homoeopathic remedies which give great relief in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, the correct choice and the resulting relief is a matter of experience and right judgment on the part of the homeopathic doctor. The treatment is decided after thorough case taking of the patient. Thus homeopathic medicines of ADHD are tailor made unlike allopathy in which all patients receive the same type of drugs which are associated with side effects.

For online homeopathic treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you may e-mail us on dr_ramanand@rediffmail.com

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition related, in part, to the brain's chemistry and anatomy. ADHD manifests itself as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that occurs more frequently and more severely than is typically observed in people at comparable levels of development.

People who have ADHD have trouble paying attention in school, at home or at work. They may be much more active and/or impulsive than what is usual for their age. These behaviors contribute to significant problems in relationships, learning and behaviors. For this reason, children who have ADHD are sometimes seem as being "difficult" or as having behavior problems.

ADHD is common, affecting 4% to 12% of school-age children. It is more common in boys than in girls. ADHD begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood as well. While some children outgrow ADHD, about 60% continue to have symptoms into adulthood.

One of the first questions a parent will have is "Why?" "What went wrong?" "Did I do something to cause it?" There is little compelling evidence at this time that ADHD can arise purely from social factors or child-rearing methods. Most causes appear to fall in the realm of neurology and genetics. This is not to say that environmental factors may not influence the severity of the disorder, and especially the degree of impairment and suffering the child may experience, but that such factors do not seem to give rise to the condition by themselves.

THINGS THAT DO NOT CAUSE ADHD :

• Bad parenting.
• Too much sugar.
• Too little sugar.
• Food additives or colorings.
• Food allergies or other allergies.
• Lack of vitamins.
• Fluorescent lights.
• Too much TV.
• Video games.

Not everyone who is overly hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive has ADHD. Since most people sometimes blurt out things they did not mean to say, or jump from one task to another, or become disorganized and forgetful, how can a doctor tell if the problem is ADHD?

Because everyone shows some of these behavior at times, the diagnosis requires that such behavior be demonstrated to a degree that is inappropriate for the person's age.

Many of the symptoms of ADHD occur from time to time in everyone. The frequency of these symptoms is much higher and impair regular life functionality, typically at school or at work. Not only will they perform poorly in task oriented settings but they will also have difficulty with social functioning with their peers.

No objective physical tests exist to diagnose ADHD in a patient. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), 4th edition, criteria listed below, 3 types of ADHD are classified :

• ADHD, Combined Type : If both criteria A and B are met for the past 6 months.
• ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type : If criteria A is met but criteria B is not met for the past 6 months.
• ADHD, Predominently Hyperactive-Impulsive Type : If criteria B is met but A is not met for the past 6 months.

DSM-IV criteria for ADHD :

Criteria A : Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for develpmental level :

1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school work, work, or other activities.
2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
5. Often has trouble organizing activities.
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or does not want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
7. Often loses things needed for tasks or activities (for example toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools).
8. Is often easily distracted.
9. Often forgetful in daily activities.

Criteria B : Six or more of the following symtoms of hyperactive impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level :

• Hyperactivity
1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
6. Often talks excessively.
• Impulsiveness
1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
2. Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (for example, butts into conversations or games).

Talk with the doctor. A diagnosis of ADHD can be made only by getting information about your child's behavior from several people who know your child. The doctor will ask you questions and may want to get information from your child's teachers or anyone else who is familiar with your child's behavior. This will help you and your doctor compare your child's behavior with other children's behavior.

ADHD treatment is best approached as a partenership between the child, family, school personnel, and healthcare professionals.

Because ADHD is a complex disorder and each person with ADHD is unique, it is hard to make recommendations that are right for every child or adult, but some of the following suggestions may help :

Children at home

• Show your child lots of affection.
• Children need to hear that they are loved and appreciated. Focusing only on the negative aspects of your child's behavior can harm your relationship with him or her and affect self confidence and self esteem. If your child has a hard time accepting verbal signs of affection, a smile, a pat on the shoulder or a hug can show you care.
• Be patient. Try to remain patient and calm when dealing with your child, even when your child is out of control. If you are calm, your child is more likely to calm down too.
• Keep things in perspective.
• Take time to enjoy with your child.
• Try to keep a regular schedule for meals, naps and bedtime.
• Make sure your child is rested.
• Identify difficult situations. Try to avoid situations that are difficult for your child, such as sitting through long presentations or shopping in malls and supermarkets where the array of merchandise can be overwhelming.
• Use timeouts or the loss of privilege to discipline your child.
• Work on organization.
• Find ways to enhance your child's self-esteem and sense of discipline.
• Use simple words and demonstrate when giving your child directions.
• Take a break yourself.

Children in school

• Ask about school programs.
• Talk to your child's teachers.
• Ask about having your child use a computer in the classroom.

Adults in the workplace

• Ask your boss to repeat instructions rather than guess at what is meant.
• Try to work at home, at least part time.
• Ask for a private office. If that is not possible, work in a quite area and use headphones to muffle noise. Arriving before most of your co-workers also can help reduce distractions.
• Work on more than one project at at time. When you get bored with one, switch to the other.
• Work on boring tasks when you feel most alert.
• Break up big jobs into smaller tasks.
• Use deadlines for structure.
• Make lists of things to do and use them to prioritize your day.
• Use a day planner and to-do lists. Post notes for yourself.
• Ask your secretary or office assitant to help with details.

Adult relationships

The behavior of many adults diagnosed with ADHD can be unpredictable and sometimes difficult. Forgotten appointments, missed deadlines, impulsive or irrational decisions, and angry outbursts can strain the patience of the most forgiving co-worker, friend or partner.

Therapy that focuses on these issues and helps adults better monitor their own behavior can be extremely helpful. So can classes to imporve communication skills, conflict resolution and problem solving. Couple therapy and classes in which family members learn more about ADHD can sometimes significantly improve relationships.