Homeopathic Treatment for ADHD

ADHD also includes more than just hyperactivity and inattention; other aspects of ADHD include the relationship between behaviour through learning, emotional self-regulation, confidence and social relationships. In other words, ADHD affects children and their families throughout their lives from their early days and into adolescence or adulthood.

Homeopathic treatment of ADHD focuses upon a patient–centred, or constitutional, rather than symptom suppression approach. The written material examined includes the definition and description of ADHD and pertinent information regarding homeopathic treatment.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which the way the brain is designed to function does not readily allow a person to pay attention, control their impulses, or regulate their activities appropriately. ADHD consists of long-term patterns of inattention often also accompanied by hyperactivity and impulsivity, which, when present, significantly disrupt the person’s ability to participate fully in their day-to-day life activities as well as affect their long-term development.

There are wide variations from one individual to the next regarding the intensity of symptoms of ADHD, and therefore, the appearance of the individual with ADHD may appear to be starkly different from another who also has ADHD.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is most commonly diagnosed in children; however, when treatment is not provided, the symptoms will be carried over into adulthood and adolescence.

Different types of ADHD

1. Predominantly Inattentive Type

• Trouble maintaining focus over longer periods of time.
• Vulnerable to distractions.
• Performing below potential academically despite being intelligent.
• Frequently forgetting things and having trouble getting organised.

2. Predominantly Hyperactive–Impulsive Type

• Rushing through conversations.
• Having trouble remaining still, either through restlessness or a need for activity.
• Making impulse acquisitions/decisions.
• Struggling to follow rules or waiting their turn.

3. Combined Type

• Showing symptoms of both inattentiveness and hyperactive-impulsive behaviours.
• This is the most commonly diagnosed form of ADHD.

Some examples of ADHD symptoms in children versus adults

• Children will exhibit poor attention in class, hyperactivity and inability to stay seated, outbursts of temper, difficulty completing tasks in school, and difficulty following directions.
• Adults will have chronic disorganisation, difficulty completing tasks, acting without thinking, difficulty in their jobs, being overly emotional and anxious about little things.

Common Challenges Associated with ADHD

• Difficulty in completing their schoolwork, developing a poor sense of self-esteem and confidence.
• Their behaviour is often misread by those around them and leads to significant misunderstandings.
• Difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships with family and friends.
• Overwhelming emotions due to fear of never succeeding and chronic tension.
• Difficulty adhering to a set schedule or routine.

ADHD commonly overlap with other neurodevelopmental disorders. Families using homeopathy for autism or another developmental disorder often will display overlapping physical traits, although treatment is tailored to meet the needs of each condition.

Conventional Management vs Homeopathy

Homeopathic and Conventional Treatments are very different from each other in how ADHD is managed by a medical professional; both have advantages and disadvantages.

Conventional treatment of ADHD is done through stimulant medication that treats the symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsiveness. These stimulant medications can lead to moderate improvement of the symptoms; there may be some side effects of appetite loss, disturbed sleep patterns, emotional numbness, and dependency.

Homeopathic treatment of ADHD focuses on restoring balance to the body by regulating the nervous system, controlling emotions and providing other supportive measures. This leads to improvement in self-regulation and emotional balance for individuals of all ages.

How Homeopathy Helps in ADHD

Homeopathy can positively impact ADHD in several ways:

• Improved Focus & Concentration
• Reduced Hyperactivity & Impulsivity
• Control of Emotional Reactions
• Impacts Learning Ability
• Encourage Healthy Neurological Development & Cognitive Functioning

The treatment with homeopathic medicine is specific to the individual (ex. character, emotional responses, physical traits, environmental influences, modified lifestyle, reactions to stimulation, etc.).

10 Homeopathic Remedies for ADHD

1. Stramonium

When there is hyperactivity to an extreme degree, along with fear and emotional abuse. The child could also be aggressive, with screaming at night and have extremely short, violent episodes of anger. It is helpful for extreme restlessness as well as impulsive and out-of-control behaviours.

2. Tarentula Hispanica

This homeopathic remedy is for a child who displays extreme restlessness, impulsiveness in their behaviour, is constantly on the move and has a compulsion to be active or participate in rhythm-type activities. Children who need this remedy may demonstrate a great deal of energy, be in a hurry and can easily be over-stimulated.

3. Hyoscyamus Niger

This remedy is used to treat inappropriate or silly behaviours, acts and behaviours that cross social boundaries, and excessive social interaction from the child who is continuously talking and disrupting other people in their conversations.

Hyoscyamus could also be used for impulsive behaviours, being overly talkative, and exhibiting socially inappropriate behaviours in individuals diagnosed with ADHD.

4. Tuberculinum

If there are persistently high levels of restlessness and routine or lifestyle changes frequently occurring, the child would demonstrate a Tuberculinum constitutional pattern. When using Tuberculinum, or any homeopathic remedy, there will often be a craving for something new and/or active. Tuberculinum may also be used to treat children who may have a chronic history of recurring behaviours.

5. Medorrhinum

Medorrhinum is a good fit for children with impulsive behaviour, lack of attention span, and difficulty understanding the results of their actions. The child may show signs of having a sudden burst of creativity followed by a period of being inattentive.

Medorrhinum is also beneficial when the symptoms are worse during the day and when the child’s behaviour becomes unpredictable.

6. Lycopodium Clavatum

Lycopodium is often indicated in children who experience anxiety when they are performing, do not believe in themselves to do anything well, or fear that they will fail at something even if they know they can do it. Frequently, these children will have difficulty focusing, especially when they are under pressure from others or competing.

It supports focus improvement through homeopathy by addressing underlying insecurity.

7. Coffea Cruda

Coffea cruda is a homeopathic remedy used for symptoms caused by excessive stimulation from mental activity. Insomnia, racing thoughts, and restlessness may occur when someone is overactive, either behaviorally (hyperactive) or emotionally (e.g., fearful), and as a result, is having difficulty settling down. Children are typically the ones who demonstrate these symptoms.

Coffea cruda is helpful to calm and settle down the mind, thus improving sleep patterns.

Related read: Homeopathic Medicines for Insomnia & Sleeplessness

8. Veratrum Album

Veratrum Album may be used as a remedy for ADHD when the child has emotional extremes, has rigidity in their personality, and is controlling. The child may have overly intense emotional reactions and may be unable to adapt.

Veratrum Album can help these children become more emotionally stable and balance their behaviour.

9. Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a good choice for children who are sensitive and affectionate in nature and who are easily distracted, extremely emotionally reactive, and have anxiety that affects their ability to focus.

Phosphorus should be prescribed to the majority of children who have been diagnosed as having a problem with attention because they tend to react so strongly to emotional experiences.

If a child needs a lot of reassurance and connection with other people, a dose of Phosphorus would be very helpful.

10. Argentum Nitricum

Argentum Nitricum is helpful when the child has anticipatory anxiety, makes impulsive decisions and has a fear of performing, and rushes through tasks and makes mistakes in the process. It will help calm the anxiety of performance.

Argentum Nitricum is an important remedy for children suffering from ADHD, supporting calmness and improving the ability to focus through using homeopathy by addressing the underlying cause of the insecurity.

Related read: Argentum Nitricum vs Gelsemium: Which Is Better for Your Anxiety?

Homeopathic medicines are selected based on individual symptoms and constitution. Self-medication is not recommended. Consultation with a qualified homeopathic practitioner is advised.

Remedy Selection Guidelines: Why One Size Will Not Fit All

In homeopathy, the selection of a remedy depends on:

• nature of the inattention; whether it is the result of being in a dreamy state versus an active (restless) state;
• type of hyperactivity; whether it is manifesting itself physically or mentally;
• emotional component and the associated fears;
• associated triggers (e.g., stress, routine, or excitement);

Selecting the most appropriate remedy is essential since this constitutional approach represents a deeper, longer-lasting improvement.

Complementary Support in Addition to Homeopathy

• Daily structured routines;
• An analytically nutritionally balanced dietary intake and sleep hygiene;
• Positive reinforcement techniques/strategies;
• The limitation of excessive screen exposure
• Overall, emotional support and regular communication.

Homeopathy paired with supportive parenting and school strategies provides optimal outcomes.

ADHD in Adults

In adults, ADHD is typically represented by chronic disorganisation, a lack of concentration, high anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed emotionally. Homeopathic treatment for adults with ADHD focuses on developing improvements in executive functioning, emotional stability, and work performance, as well as assisting individuals with ADHD-related anxiety and stress that are exacerbated by excessive pressure and high expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions