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Homeopathy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a pilot randomized-controlled trial
Jennifer Jacobs1, Anna-Leila Williams, Christine Girard
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)
|November 22, 2005
Summary
This pilot study found no significant difference between homeopathic remedies and placebo for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the homeopathic consultation itself may offer benefits, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Pediatric neurology
- Homeopathic research
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
- Conventional treatments for ADHD include stimulant medications and behavioral therapy.
- The effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine, such as homeopathy, for ADHD requires rigorous investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of individualized homeopathic remedies compared to placebo in children with ADHD.
- To assess the impact of the homeopathic consultation process on ADHD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in a private homeopathic clinic.
- Forty-three children (6-12 years) meeting DSM-IV criteria for ADHD were included.
- Participants received either a homeopathic consultation with an individualized remedy or a placebo over 18 weeks, with follow-ups every 6 weeks.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed between the homeopathic remedy and placebo groups for primary or secondary outcome measures.
- Both groups showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in several outcome measures.
- The study did not demonstrate a specific therapeutic effect of the homeopathic remedies themselves.
Conclusions:
- This preliminary study does not support the use of individually selected homeopathic remedies for treating ADHD in children.
- The findings suggest a potential therapeutic effect associated with the homeopathic consultation encounter, meriting further study.
- Future research should involve longer study durations, control groups without homeopathic consultation, and comparisons with conventional ADHD treatments.