The Problem
Increasing numbers of parents are seeking professional help for their children and teenagers whose behavior is seen to be out of control. Often these children are treated with medication. Stimulants, such as Ritalin, may be prescribed for the treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder).

Alternatively, naturopathic treatment may involve a restricted diet and nutritional supplements.

A Gentle Alternative to Conventional Treatments
Homœopathic medicine offers a very different approach to the treatment of challenging behavior. Our aim is to match the child’s unique symptoms and behavior with the symptom picture of a corresponding homœopathic medicine.

There are over 2000 homœopathic medicines, made from natural substances. The chosen medicine is prescribed in small doses, usually for only a few days or a week, possibly repeated weekly or monthly for some months. If the medicine is the right match, we would expect to see, within weeks:

* A marked improvement in the child’s behavior
* An overall improvement in the child’s 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 Homœopathic Treatment
* Stimulants, can have side such as anxiety, and insomnia. Homœopathic treatment is safe and natural.
* Stimulants have to be taken every day. Homœopathic medicines are taken infrequently, and only repeated when the positive effects wear off, sometimes months later.
* You don’t have to choose one or the other – you can use homeopathic medicine alongside conventional treatments.
* You should 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.

The Treatment Process
The initial consultation takes the form of a thorough interview during which the I gathers information about the child’s behaviour, along with a detailed medical and personal history. It can help to interview the child separately from the parents and/or carers. If two adults attend the interview with the child, then, after an initial assessment, one adult can take the child for a walk while the other is free to discuss the situation in more detail.
Follow-up appointments, every four to six weeks monitor the progress of the treatment.

Contact Ann Manning on 0413 010 050 or ann@restoringhealth.com.au for more information.