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International Journal of AYUSH; 2024: 13 (2); 95-101

Review Article Volume 13 Issue 2 Feb 2024

EXPLORING HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACHES FOR MANAGING ATTENTION DEFICIT-


HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMS,
CAUSES, AND TARGETED REMEDIES

Dr. Kanchan Atoliya

Assistant Professor, Department Practice of Medicine, University College of Homoeopathy,


Kekri, Rajasthan.

Kanchanatoliya18@gmail.com

ABSTRACT:

This article provides an overview of the pervasive impact of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity


Disorder (ADHD) on individuals across the lifespan, emphasizing its neurodevelopmental
roots and the complexities surrounding diagnosis and management. The discussion
addresses common misconceptions and explores genetic, neurobiological, and
environmental factors contributing to ADHD. The article also delves into a homeopathic
approach to ADHD management, highlighting specific remedies tailored to individual
symptoms. Key aspects such as early symptom recognition, collaborative interventions
involving parents and educators, and the importance of creating supportive environments
are underscored for comprehensive well-being and success.

Keywords: ADHD, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, neurodevelopmental disorder,


homoeopathic management, individualized treatment, causes of ADHD, genetic influence,
neurotransmitter imbalance, brain activity changes, homeopathic remedies, Cina,
Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, Tuberculinum, Verta alb.
95

DR. KANCHAN ATOLIYA EXPLORING HOMOEOPATHIC


APPROACHES FOR MANAGING ATTENTION DEFICIT-HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): A COMPREHENSIVE
ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND TARGETED REMEDIES
International Journal of AYUSH; 2024: 13 (2); 95-101

INTRODUCTION:

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric condition well-established


for its impact on children's functioning. Those with ADHD exhibit age-inappropriate levels
of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. While the DSM IV once distinguished
between Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it later
consolidated them into a single disorder with three subtypes: predominantly inattentive,
predominantly hyperactive, or combined type.

Symptoms typically manifest early in life and commonly involve issues such as inattention,
lack of focus, disorganization, task completion challenges, forgetfulness, and misplacement
of belongings. To be diagnosed as 'ADHD,' these symptoms need to emerge before the age of
12, persist for at least six months, and significantly disrupt daily activities. The impact should
be noticeable in multiple settings, such as at home, school, or during after-school activities.
ADHD can lead to various consequences, including impaired social interactions, heightened
risk-taking behaviours, job losses, and academic difficulties.

ADHD should be evaluated in light of what is developmentally and culturally suitable for an
individual. It is identified as a disruption in executive functioning, primarily associated with
the frontal lobe. Consequently, individuals with ADHD exhibit challenges not only in
attention and concentration but also in decision-making and emotional control. Children
with ADHD may encounter obstacles in social interactions, easily experience frustration, and
display impulsive behavior, often being unfairly labeled as "troublemakers."

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that


impacts a significant portion of the global population, affecting approximately 5% – 7.2% of
youth and 2.5% – 6.7% of adults. Recent statistics suggest a higher prevalence in U.S.
children, reaching around 8.7%, equivalent to 5.3 million individuals. Despite traditionally
being viewed as a childhood disorder, up to 90% of children with ADHD continue to exhibit
symptoms in adulthood. Surprisingly, some adults receive a diagnosis later in life, with one
study revealing that 75% of adults with ADHD were not identified during childhood. While
the male-to-female ratio is 4:1 in childhood, it becomes closer to 1:1 in adulthood. [1][2][3][4]

96

DR. KANCHAN ATOLIYA EXPLORING HOMOEOPATHIC


APPROACHES FOR MANAGING ATTENTION DEFICIT-HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): A COMPREHENSIVE
ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND TARGETED REMEDIES
International Journal of AYUSH; 2024: 13 (2); 95-101

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ADHD IN CHILDREN

1. Restlessness and Impulsivity:

- Fidgetiness

- Difficulty waiting their turn

- Impulsive behavior

2. Hyperactivity and Inattention:

- Pronounced symptoms compared to typical behavior

- Disorganization

- Lack of focus

3. Impact on Functioning:

- Interference with home, school, work, and relationships

- Distress caused by symptoms

- Not a result of defiance or inability to comprehend tasks

4. ADHD Overview:

- Neurodevelopmental condition

- Persistent difficulties in focusing and controlling impulsive behaviors

- Symptoms do not naturally outgrow

5. Common Signs in Children:

- Excessive daydreaming

- Frequent forgetfulness or loss of belongings

- Restlessness, marked by squirming or fidgeting

- Excessive talking

- Careless mistakes and taking unnecessary risks.

97

DR. KANCHAN ATOLIYA EXPLORING HOMOEOPATHIC


APPROACHES FOR MANAGING ATTENTION DEFICIT-HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): A COMPREHENSIVE
ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND TARGETED REMEDIES
International Journal of AYUSH; 2024: 13 (2); 95-101

6. Social Challenges:

- Difficulty resisting impulses

- Challenges in taking turns

- Social difficulties

7. Importance of Early Recognition:

- Essential for appropriate support and interventions

- Collaborative efforts involving parents, educators, and healthcare professionals

- Creating a supportive environment for well-being and success[3][4]

TYPE OF ADHD:

ADHD is categorized into three main types:

1. Predominantly inattentive presentation.

2. Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation.

3. Combined presentation.

CAUSES OF ADHD:

Understanding ADHD Causes

1. Genetic Influence:

- ADHD has a strong familial association, indicating a genetic component.

- Tendency to run in families suggests a hereditary link.

2. Neurotransmitter Imbalance:

- Imbalances in brain chemicals are observed in individuals with ADHD.

- These imbalances may contribute to the development of ADHD symptoms.

3. Brain Activity Changes:

98

DR. KANCHAN ATOLIYA EXPLORING HOMOEOPATHIC


APPROACHES FOR MANAGING ATTENTION DEFICIT-HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): A COMPREHENSIVE
ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND TARGETED REMEDIES
International Journal of AYUSH; 2024: 13 (2); 95-101

- Children with ADHD exhibit reduced activity in areas of the brain controlling
attention.

- Altered brain function is a key factor in the manifestation of ADHD.

4. Exclusion of External Factors:

- ADHD is not caused by sugar consumption.

- External factors such as excessive TV, stressful home environments, poor


schooling, and food allergies do not lead to ADHD. [4]

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT [5][6][7][8][9]

It's important to note that homeopathic remedies are highly individualized, and the selection
of a remedy is based on a person's specific symptoms, not just a diagnosis like ADHD. The
descriptions provided for each remedy give a sense of the nuanced characteristics and traits
that may indicate the need for that particular remedy.

1. Cina:

▪ Characteristics: Irritability, resistance to touch, discomfort with nurturing


gestures.
▪ Suggested for: Those navigating irritability, difficulty focusing, or emotional
turbulence.

2. Coffea Cruda:

▪ Characteristics: Passionate intensity, heightened senses, easily excited,


impressionable.
▪ Suggested for: Individuals with intense emotions, heightened creativity, and
sensitivity to pleasurable sensations.

3. Hyoscyamus:

▪ Characteristics: Excessive talkativeness, lascivious tendencies, restlessness,


impulsiveness.

99

DR. KANCHAN ATOLIYA EXPLORING HOMOEOPATHIC


APPROACHES FOR MANAGING ATTENTION DEFICIT-HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): A COMPREHENSIVE
ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND TARGETED REMEDIES
International Journal of AYUSH; 2024: 13 (2); 95-101

▪ Suggested for: Those characterized by talkativeness, restlessness, and


impulsiveness.

4. Stramonium:

▪ Characteristics: Rapid emotional transitions, hallucinations, fear of darkness,


violent tendencies.
▪ Suggested for: Individuals with intense fear, anxiety, and violent or aggressive
manifestations.

5. Tuberculinum:

▪ Characteristics: Contradictory symptoms, irritability, depression, fear of dogs,


familial tuberculosis history.
▪ Suggested for: Those with a complex mix of mania and melancholia, irritability,
and a tuberculosis-linked family history.

6. Veratrum Album:

▪ Characteristics: Profound spectrum of emotions, from melancholy to mania,


aimless wandering, delusions.
▪ Suggested for: Those experiencing a wide range of emotions, from deep
melancholy to ecstatic mania, and struggling with focus.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive exploration of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)


highlights the intricate nature of this neurodevelopmental condition and the challenges
associated with its diagnosis and management. The article emphasizes that ADHD is not
confined to childhood, with a significant number of individuals continuing to experience
symptoms into adulthood. Despite the multifaceted causes discussed, including genetic
influences, neurotransmitter imbalances, and changes in brain activity, the focus shifts to
homoeopathic management as a nuanced approach for addressing ADHD symptoms. The
individualized treatment, featuring remedies such as Cina, Coffea Cruda, Hyoscyamus,
Stramonium, Tuberculinum, and Veratrum Album, underscores the importance of tailoring
100

DR. KANCHAN ATOLIYA EXPLORING HOMOEOPATHIC


APPROACHES FOR MANAGING ATTENTION DEFICIT-HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): A COMPREHENSIVE
ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND TARGETED REMEDIES
International Journal of AYUSH; 2024: 13 (2); 95-101

interventions to specific behavioral patterns. Recognizing early signs, collaborative efforts


involving parents and educators, and fostering supportive environments are underscored
for holistic well-being and success in managing ADHD. Overall, this article provides valuable
insights into the complex landscape of ADHD and advocates for a personalized and holistic
homoeopathic approach to its management.

REFERENCES

1. Matas, M. (2006). Approach to attention deficit disorder in adults. Canadian Family


Physician, 52(8), 961.

2. Wilens, T. E., & Spencer, T. J. (2010). Understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity


disorder from childhood to adulthood. Postgraduate Medicine, 122(5), 97–109.
https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2010.09.2206

3. (N.d.). Psychiatry.org. Retrieved January 12, 2024, from


https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd.

4. CDC. (2023, September 27). What is ADHD? Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html.

5. Allen, Henry Clay. Allens’ Keynotes: Rearranged & Classified. B Jain, 2023.
6. Boericke, William. New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory with
Relationship of Remedies: Including Indian Drugs, Nosodes Uncommon, Rare
Remedies, Mother Tinctures, Relationship, Sides of the Body, Drug Affinites & List of
Abbreviation: 3rd Edition. B Jain, 2023.
7. Clarke, John Henry. A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica; Volume 1. Legare Street
Press, 2022.
8. Phatak, S. R. Materia Medica of Homoeopathic Medicines: Revised Edition. B Jain,
2023.
9. Kent, James Tyler. Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica: Together with
Kent’s New Remedies Incorporated & Arranged in One Alphabetical Order. B Jain,
2023.

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DR. KANCHAN ATOLIYA EXPLORING HOMOEOPATHIC


APPROACHES FOR MANAGING ATTENTION DEFICIT-HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): A COMPREHENSIVE
ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND TARGETED REMEDIES

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