http://www.homeopathy-ecch.org/veterinary.html

13/9/2005 ECCH Press Release

Homeopathic treatment effective in ADHD

In the wake of the recent Lancet article on homeopathy that was so widely
trailed in the media (see below) ECCH is pleased to be able to bring to the
attention of the media details of a recent trial published in the European
Journal of Pediatrics showing a positive effect for homeopathic treatment
in the important area of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The main author of this trial André Thurmeyson has recently commented on
what is increasingly being criticised as a flawed piece of work published
in the Lancet. He maintains that Egger's meta-analysis fails to prove
anything. "They did not study trials that refer to proper homeopathic
treatments. They have not analysed homeopathic treatment as it is practised,"

The newly published study used "as it is practised" individualised
homeopathic treatment to treat the children in what was a randomised,
double blind, placebo controlled crossover study. 'The trial suggests
scientific evidence of the effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, particularly in the areas of
behavioural and cognitive functions.'

Contact Information: André Thurneysen
Email: andre.thurneysen@kikom.unibe.ch
Phone: +41-31-6329758
Fax: +41-31-6324263

Journal Abstract:

European Journal of Pediatrics
Publisher: Springer-Verlag GmbH
ISSN: 0340-6199 (Paper) 1432-1076 (Online)
DOI: 10.1007/s00431-005-1735-7
Issue: Online First
Original Paper
Homeopathic treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial.

Heiner Frei1, Regula Everts2, Klaus von Ammon3, Franz Kaufmann2, Daniel
Walther2, Shu-Fang Hsu-Schmitz4, Marco Collenberg4, Katharina Fuhrer2,
Ralph Hassink5, Maja Steinlin2 Contact Information and André Thurneysen3
Contact Information
(1) Swiss Association of Homeopathic Physicians SAHP, Lucerne, Switzerland.
(2) Division of Paediatric Neurology, University Childrenrsquos Hospital,
Inselspital, 3010 Berne, Switzerland.
(3) Kollegiale Instanz für Komplementärmedizin (KIKOM)/Homeopathy, Imhoof
Pavillon, Inselspital, 3010 Berne, Switzerland.
(4) Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science (IMSV),
University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
(5) Zentrum für Entwicklungsförderung und pädiatrische Neurorehabilitation,
Bienne, Switzerland.

Received: 8 March 2005 Revised: 23 May 2005 Accepted: 1 June 2005 Published
online: 27 July 2005
Abstract An increasing number of parents turn to homeopathy for treatment
of their hyperactive child. Two publications, a randomised, partially
blinded trial and a clinical observation study, conclude that homeopathy
has positive effects in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to obtain scientific evidence of
the effectiveness of homeopathy in ADHD. A total of 83 children aged 6-16
years, with ADHD diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders-IV criteria, were recruited. Prior to the randomised,
double blind, placebo controlled crossover study, they were treated with
individually prescribed homeopathic medications. 62 patients, who achieved
an improvement of 50% in the Connersrsquo Global Index (CGI), participated
in the trial. Thirteen patients did not fulfill this eligibility criterion
(CGI). The responders were split into two groups and received either verum
for 6 weeks followed by placebo for 6 weeks (arm A), or vice-versa (arm B).
At the beginning of the trial and after each crossover period, parents
reported the CGI and patients underwent neuropsychological testing. The CGI
rating was evaluated again at the end of each crossover period and twice in
long-term follow-up. At entry to the crossover trial, cognitive performance
such as visual global perception, impulsivity and divided attention, had
improved significantly under open label treatment ( P<0.0001). During the
crossover trial, CGI parent-ratings were significantly lower under verum
(average 1.67 points) than under placebo ( P =0.0479). Long-term CGI
improvement reached 12 points (63%, P <0.0001).

Conclusion:The trial suggests scientific evidence of the effectiveness of
homeopathy in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
particularly in the areas of behavioural and cognitive functions.

Keywords Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - Homeopathy -
Individualised treatment - Randomised double blind trial - Treatment
effectiveness.