HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF ADHD
ADHD–ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVE DISORDER
Everybody can have difficulty sitting still, paying attention or controlling impulsive behavior once in a while. For some people, however, the problems are so pervasive and persistent that they interfere with every aspect of their life: home, academic, social and work. In the latest section, we will discuss the homeopathic treatment of ADHD. But first, Let first discuss what is ADHD.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 11 percent of school-age children. Symptoms continue into adulthood in more than three-quarters of cases. ADHD is characterized by inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
However, without proper treatment, ADHD may have serious consequences, including school failure, family stress and disruption, depression, problems with relationships, substance abuse, delinquency, accidental injuries and job failure. Early identification and treatment are extremely important.
ADHD with predominantly inattentive symptoms
- Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- Has difficulty sustaining attention
- Does not appear to listen
- Struggles to follow through with instructions
- Has difficulty with organization
- Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
- Loses things
- Is easily distracted
- Is forgetful in daily activities
ADHD with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
- Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair
- Has difficulty remaining seated
- Runs about or climbs excessively in children; extreme restlessness in adults
- Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
- Acts as if driven by a motor; adults will often feel inside as if they are driven by a motor
- Talks excessively
- Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
- Difficulty waiting or taking turns Interrupts or intrudes upon others
ADHD combined presentation
The individual meets the criteria for both inattention and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD presentations. These symptoms can change over time, so children may fit different presentations as they get older
Children with ADHDare at risk for potentially serious problems in adolescence and adulthood:
- academic failure or delays
- driving problems
- difficulties with peers and social situations
- substance abuse
- Adolescent girls with ADHD are also more prone to eating disorders than boys
Teens with ADHD present a special challenge. During these years, academic life demand growth. At the same time, these kids face typical adolescent issues such as emerging sexuality, establishing independence, dealing with peer pressure and the challenges of driving
In early adulthood, ADHD may be associated with depression, mood or conduct disorders and substance abuse.
Many have an inconsistent performance at work or in their careers, have difficulties with day-to-day responsibilities, experience relationship problems, and may have chronic feelings of frustration, guilt or blame.
What causes ADHD
No one knows what causes attention deficit and/or hyperactivity. There are numerous theories ranging from it being hereditary to it being a result of the high-speed world in which we live to genetic disposition. It is well known that ADHD is more common in single-parent families. This may be due to lack of a suitable role model for the developing child.
Our parents not only provide us with genes, they also show us how to behave in relation to the world. Whether we are aware of it or not we tend to copy our parents. Parents are the role models for the kids. There are many other role models, some real, others fictional that will influence a child’s development like television.
Modern life is fast and furious. We have lost the stillness and the tranquility in the pursuit of a better job and achieving success in a materialistic sense. With both parents working, the decline of the extended family and the sense of community, children are often parked in front of the television or computer for hours on end. They no longer play those imaginative games or escape into a book; there are no outlets for their creativity. School is very competitive in preparation for the big world. Little wonder that some children escape into Dreamtime instead of completing their math homework. And others get fired up by all the extraneous stimulation and end up racing around like the cartoon character, Roadrunner.
Parents often notice that certain foods make their children even more active. Foods and drinks can, and do, act as stimulants. Colorings and preservatives, sugar, fizzy drinks can all increase activity. With homeopathic treatment, this sensitivity to food often disappears, but it is often useful to avoid the foods until there is a significant improvement.
Treatment of ADHD
Homeopathic treatment
Unlike conventional medicine, homeopathy seeks to treat each child as an individual. Each child is assessed as the unique person they are. The remedy must reflect everything about the child. A detailed history is fundamental to the correct choice of remedy. The homeopath will ask about the health of the child and the family, the pregnancy and delivery, early development, vaccinations, life events, schooling, favorite foods, drinks to mention just a few points. The more information gathered, the easier it is to find that tailor-made remedy.
Homeopathy considers every factor, from the genetic component to specific possible causes. The aim of treatment is to stimulate healing at the deepest level and to allow a gentle return to health.
Also, it is as important to nurture the creative spirit, the imagination, the energy, and the curiosity that these children often show as it is to remove the unacceptable behavior patterns. So many of these children have wonderful gifts and homeopathic treatment balances these qualities so that the child can fulfill his or her true potential.
Tips to Help Kids and Adults with ADHD Stay Organized
For Kids:
Parents and teachers can help kids with ADHD stay organized and follow directions with tools such as:
- Keeping a routine and a schedule. Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Include times for homework, outdoor play, indoor activities, breakfast, lunch, dinner. Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board in the kitchen. Write changes to the schedule as far inadvance as possible.
- Organizing everyday items. Have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place. This includes clothing, backpacks, and toys.
- Using homework and notebook organizers. Use organizers for school material and supplies. Stress to your child the importance of writing down assignments and bringing home the necessary books.
- Being clear and consistent. Children with ADHD need consistent rules they can understand and follow. So don’t change rules daily rather be consistent.
- Giving praise or rewards when rules are followed. Children with ADHD often receive and expect criticism. Look for good behavior, and praise it.
For Adults:
ADHD can be cause inattentiveness.A professional counselor or therapist can help an adult with ADHD learn how to organize his or her life with tools such as:
- Keeping routines
- Making lists for different tasks and activities
- Using a calendar for scheduling events
- Using reminder notes
- Assigning a special place for keys, bills, and paperwork
- Breaking down large tasks into more manageable and smaller steps so that completing each part of the task provides a sense of accomplishment
Apart from these tips and medical intervention family support plays an important role in handling ADHD.