Homeopathic treatment effective in ADHD

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:
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 ( P0.0001). 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.
___________________________________________


http://www.naturalmatters.net/articl...cle=231&cat=85

Homeopathy Proven Successful for ADHD
03/08/2005


Holistic Pediatric Newsletter

Randall Neustaedter OMD

The number of children put on drugs for attention problems is staggering,
and school authorities pressure parents to use dangerous stimulant
medications and antidepressants to keep children behaving in specific
desirable patterns in the classroom. The approach of holistic pediatrics
offers an effective management system for attention problems (so-called ADD
and ADHD). An important component of this system includes the prescription
of constitutional homeopathic medicines according to the principles of
classical homeopathy.

Clinical Study Design

Now a carefully controlled clinical trial has shown that homeopathy does
significantly improve attention. This study was published in the July 27,
2005 online edition of the European Journal of Pediatrics. The study,
conducted in Switzerland, followed 62 children diagnosed with attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). All children were carefully
diagnosed with a number of screening instruments to verify the diagnosis of
ADHD, excluding other diagnoses. The study involved three phases. First the
children were treated with a constitutional homeopathic medicine
individualized to their case. Only the children who improved by at least 50
percent on an ADHD rating scale were included in the second phase of the
study, a crossover trial with a placebo group. Following that crossover
phase, the children were then treated again with their homeopathic medicine
in an open label phase.

The primary device for measuring improvement was the Conners Global Index
(CGI), a 10-item rating scale containing the most important ADHD symptoms
(temper outbursts, excitability, impulsivity, overactivity, crying often,
inattentive, fidgeting, disturbing other children, easily frustrated,
failure to finish things, quickly changing moods). Rating: 0= never, 1=
occasionally, 2= often, 3= very often. Therefore the higher the score the
more prominent and severe the symptoms. Other assessment instruments
included standardized achievement and intelligence tests.

The medicines used included Calc-carb (15), Sulphur (8), Chamomilla (5),
Lycopodium (5), Silica (5), Hepar-sulph (4), Nux-vom (4), China (3),
Ignatia (3), and Mercurius (3). Each of the following were used in one case
only: Capsicum, Causticum, Hyoscyamus, Phosphorus, Phosphoric-acid,
Sepia,and Staphysagria. Each was used on a daily bases in the Q3 to Q42
potency (LM). No other treatment of any kind was permitted during the
course of the study.

The progress under homeopathic treatment was assessed with the parents only
at intervals of 4 weeks. After an unlimited period of observation, children
eligible for the crossover phase of the trial were randomly assigned to
either receive the appropriate homeopathic medicine or a placebo in a
blinded trial. During the second period of the crossover phase, the groups
were switched. Following the crossover phase, the children were then
treated with their homeopathic medicine in an open label phase of the trial.

Study Results

Results showed that children did not improve while taking placebo, but
continued to improve while taking the homeopathic medicine during the
blinded phase of the trial and in the post-crossover phase. The median
Conners rating for ADHD symptoms dropped from 19 at the start of treatment
to a median of 8 within 6 weeks after the crossover phase of the trial.
During the blinded trial the children receiving placebo had a high CGI
rating of 12 compared to the homeopathic group with a rating of 9. After
all children were returned to their homeopathic medicine, both groups
returned to the low symptom level they had achieved before the crossover
phase (median of 8).

The authors formed a definitive conclusion from this study. The results of
this trial point to the effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of
ADHD.

HPA Attention Seminar

The Holistic Pediatric Association will be teaching a seminar on the
Holistic Treatment of Attention and Autistic Spectrum Disorders on January
28, 2006. Practitioners can see details and register for this and all other
HPA seminars at the website:

http://www.hpakids.org/PediatricSeminars.htm

Holistic Pediatric Association
1275 Fourth Street, #118
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-237-5312


________________________________________________
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissin...072491&cKey=11
26255868000



Doctors face off over homeopathy




swissinfo

September 9, 2005 11:01 AM


Medical researchers in Switzerland are at odds over the value of
homeopathy, after scientists at Bern University reported it was no better
than a placebo.

The debate comes in the wake of a decision by the federal authorities to
exclude alternative medicines from compulsory health insurance.


Researchers led by Matthias Egger of Bern University's department of social
and preventive medicine recently stirred up a hornet's nest by claiming
that homeopathic treatments were no better than giving patients sugar pills.

They compared clinical trial results of conventional medicines with those
of homeopathic medications in a so-called meta-analysis of 220 studies.

Egger's team concluded that there was little evidence of specific effects
of homeopathic remedies, but strong indications that conventional medicine
did work.

"The larger the study, the smaller the effects of homeopathic treatment
are, to the point of disappearing," Egger told swissinfo. "There is no
difference between the placebo group and the homeopathic group."

"With conventional treatments, the effects get smaller as the study gets
larger, but they are still there."

Beneficial to patients

But research led by André Thurneysen of the university's institute for
complementary medicine seems to show otherwise. Thurneysen and his
co-authors published another article showing that homeopathic treatment
could benefit children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD).

"Our study definitely shows that homeopathy can have beneficial effects and
has a clinical value," said Thurneysen.

He believes the results have implications stretching beyond ADHD. "We don't
understand how it works, but we see that it works efficiently."

The homeopathy specialist, who lectures on the subject at the university,
reckons 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," he told
swissinfo.

Thurneysen also says that the team led by Egger was only made up of
epidemiologists who could not understand how homeopathy functions.

Standing firm

Egger stands behind his research, and points out that one of his
co-authors is an experienced homeopathic specialist. He says the attack,
although very personal, is not unexpected.

"People tend to have a very strong belief in homeopathy and it fits with
how they see the world," he said. "If someone comes along and says these
effects are all in the mind, it is really a dramatic attack not only on
commercial interests but also on a whole belief system."

He adds that his goal is not to add another nail into homeopathy's coffin.

"This doesn't mean homeopathy doesn't work," he told swissinfo. "It just
means that the benefit people get out of these treatments is not related to
any pharmacological effect, but probably has more to do with the
interaction between the patient and his physician."

For Egger, the fact that physician and patient believe in this therapeutic
system - a so-called context effect - is probably more important than in
conventional medicine, where patient-doctor interaction is often more
limited, due to time pressures.

"I think we need more research into how these context effects work and on
whom, and in which situations they are particularly strong," he said. "We
need to find out how the patient-doctor interaction can be optimised."

Not covered by insurance

The debate over homeopathy's effectiveness comes after the Swiss interior
ministry in June decided to exclude alternative medicines from compulsory
heath insurance.

Egger's study was one element used to reach this decision, although he
believes all types of treatment should be considered.

"We are moving towards a health system where officials are looking closely
at whether a treatment has specific effects or not, and removing those
without proven effects from basic cover," he said. "But this should include
all types of medicine."

The whole debate over homeopathy has been clouded by the decision of the
ministry in charge of health matters.

But Thurneysen reckons it will always be difficult for some to admit the
value of this type of treatment.

"Plenty of people will be convinced by our research, but there will be many
others who will say it's rubbish because they don't want to understand what
we have tried to accomplish."

swissinfo, Scott Capper
______________________________


Swiss Study Demonstrates the Effect of Homeopathy in Hyperactive Children



A study performed by KIKOM (Kollegialen Instanz für Komplementärmedizin der
Universität Bern) and the "Medizinischen Univertitätsklinik Bern" has
demonstrated the efficacy of homeopathic medicinal products in children
with an Attention Deficit Syndrome (ADS). The study was published in the
"European Journal of Paediatrics" . The findings are in opposition to the
recently published meta-analysis by the "Institut für Sozial- und
Präventivmedizin" of the Bern University labelling homeopathy to be just a
placebo effect.



An interdisciplinary research team of that University directed by Dr. med
Heiner Frei came to the conclusion that ADS symptoms like hyperactivity,
shyness or anxiety decreased by 37 to 63 percent. The learning behaviour
improved and the duration of the positive effect was for a longer period of
time.



From 2001 till 2005 the researchers followed the effects of a homeopathic
treatment in children with ADS. After a neuro-psychological and
neurological check the children were individually treated by a homeopathic
physician. The data was collected according to the double blind cross over
method. Neither the patient nor the doctor knew who received the placebo or
the real medicine. During the treatment the children were regularly
examined by a neuro-psychologist.



This positive result puts the homeopathic treatment for ADS patients on an
equal level with regular medicine. The latter treating the children with
medicinal substances having effects on the psyche, often with side effects.
According to Dr. Frei the homeopathic treatment has a favourable cost
effect.



(Source: Deutscher Zentralverein homoepathischer)

__________________________________________

"john" wrote in message
...


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


snip
But research led by André Thurneysen of the university's institute for
complementary medicine seems to show otherwise. Thurneysen and his
co-authors published another article showing that homeopathic treatment
could benefit children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD).

"Our study definitely shows that homeopathy can have beneficial effects
and
has a clinical value," said Thurneysen.

It is not clear from this that it did. . When used in an uncontrlled
manner (the "open label" part of this trial), there were reported
improvements, as is usual in uncontrolled trials. of fifty per cent.
When treatment was continued in a blinded fashion, the only part of this
trial that means anything, it seems that the difference between the
homeopathic treatment and placebo only just reaches staitsical significance
in a trial with very small numbers (P =0.0479. The difference between the
groups in this part of the trial was a mere 1.67 on a 30 point scale.thirty
point scale.

Peter Moran




He believes the results have implications stretching beyond ADHD. "We
don't
understand how it works, but we see that it works efficiently."

The homeopathy specialist, who lectures on the subject at the university,
reckons 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," he told
swissinfo.

Thurneysen also says that the team led by Egger was only made up of
epidemiologists who could not understand how homeopathy functions.

Standing firm

Egger stands behind his research, and points out that one of his
co-authors is an experienced homeopathic specialist. He says the attack,
although very personal, is not unexpected.

"People tend to have a very strong belief in homeopathy and it fits with
how they see the world," he said. "If someone comes along and says these
effects are all in the mind, it is really a dramatic attack not only on
commercial interests but also on a whole belief system."

He adds that his goal is not to add another nail into homeopathy's coffin.

"This doesn't mean homeopathy doesn't work," he told swissinfo. "It just
means that the benefit people get out of these treatments is not related
to
any pharmacological effect, but probably has more to do with the
interaction between the patient and his physician."

For Egger, the fact that physician and patient believe in this therapeutic
system - a so-called context effect - is probably more important than in
conventional medicine, where patient-doctor interaction is often more
limited, due to time pressures.

"I think we need more research into how these context effects work and on
whom, and in which situations they are particularly strong," he said. "We
need to find out how the patient-doctor interaction can be optimised."

Not covered by insurance

The debate over homeopathy's effectiveness comes after the Swiss interior
ministry in June decided to exclude alternative medicines from compulsory
heath insurance.

Egger's study was one element used to reach this decision, although he
believes all types of treatment should be considered.

"We are moving towards a health system where officials are looking closely
at whether a treatment has specific effects or not, and removing those
without proven effects from basic cover," he said. "But this should
include
all types of medicine."

The whole debate over homeopathy has been clouded by the decision of the
ministry in charge of health matters.

But Thurneysen reckons it will always be difficult for some to admit the
value of this type of treatment.

"Plenty of people will be convinced by our research, but there will be
many
others who will say it's rubbish because they don't want to understand
what
we have tried to accomplish."

swissinfo, Scott Capper
______________________________


Swiss Study Demonstrates the Effect of Homeopathy in Hyperactive Children



A study performed by KIKOM (Kollegialen Instanz für Komplementärmedizin
der
Universität Bern) and the "Medizinischen Univertitätsklinik Bern" has
demonstrated the efficacy of homeopathic medicinal products in children
with an Attention Deficit Syndrome (ADS). The study was published in the
"European Journal of Paediatrics" . The findings are in opposition to the
recently published meta-analysis by the "Institut für Sozial- und
Präventivmedizin" of the Bern University labelling homeopathy to be just a
placebo effect.



An interdisciplinary research team of that University directed by Dr. med
Heiner Frei came to the conclusion that ADS symptoms like hyperactivity,
shyness or anxiety decreased by 37 to 63 percent. The learning behaviour
improved and the duration of the positive effect was for a longer period
of
time.



From 2001 till 2005 the researchers followed the effects of a homeopathic
treatment in children with ADS. After a neuro-psychological and
neurological check the children were individually treated by a homeopathic
physician. The data was collected according to the double blind cross over
method. Neither the patient nor the doctor knew who received the placebo
or
the real medicine. During the treatment the children were regularly
examined by a neuro-psychologist.



This positive result puts the homeopathic treatment for ADS patients on an
equal level with regular medicine. The latter treating the children with
medicinal substances having effects on the psyche, often with side
effects.
According to Dr. Frei the homeopathic treatment has a favourable cost
effect.



(Source: Deutscher Zentralverein homoepathischer)

__________________________________________

"john" wrote:



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



13/9/2005 ECCH Press Release

Homeopathic treatment effective in ADHD

But I thought that there was no such thing as ADHD. Have the alties
changed their minds (sic) on this?


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).

How can this non-existent thing be important?

snip vast bull****
--
Peter Bowditch aa #2243
The Millenium Project http://www.ratbags.com/rsoles
Australian Council Against Health Fraud http://www.acahf.org.au
Australian Skeptics http://www.skeptics.com.au
To email me use my first name only at ratbags.com

"Peter Bowditch" wrote in message
news
"john" wrote:



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



13/9/2005 ECCH Press Release

Homeopathic treatment effective in ADHD

But I thought that there was no such thing as ADHD. Have the alties
changed their minds (sic) on this?

This isn't an altie (sic) whodid the study


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).

How can this non-existent thing be important?

The study did not say it was non-existent.


snip vast bull****
--
Peter Bowditch

Proven lying websites + spam snipped

Study restored:

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:
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 ( P0.0001). 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.
___________________________________________


http://www.naturalmatters.net/articl...cle=231&cat=85


Homeopathy Proven Successful for ADHD
03/08/2005


Holistic Pediatric Newsletter


Randall Neustaedter OMD


The number of children put on drugs for attention problems is staggering,
and school authorities pressure parents to use dangerous stimulant
medications and antidepressants to keep children behaving in specific
desirable patterns in the classroom. The approach of holistic pediatrics
offers an effective management system for attention problems (so-called ADD
and ADHD). An important component of this system includes the prescription
of constitutional homeopathic medicines according to the principles of
classical homeopathy.


Clinical Study Design


Now a carefully controlled clinical trial has shown that homeopathy does
significantly improve attention. This study was published in the July 27,
2005 online edition of the European Journal of Pediatrics. The study,
conducted in Switzerland, followed 62 children diagnosed with attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). All children were carefully
diagnosed with a number of screening instruments to verify the diagnosis of
ADHD, excluding other diagnoses. The study involved three phases. First the
children were treated with a constitutional homeopathic medicine
individualized to their case. Only the children who improved by at least 50
percent on an ADHD rating scale were included in the second phase of the
study, a crossover trial with a placebo group. Following that crossover
phase, the children were then treated again with their homeopathic medicine
in an open label phase.


The primary device for measuring improvement was the Conners Global Index
(CGI), a 10-item rating scale containing the most important ADHD symptoms
(temper outbursts, excitability, impulsivity, overactivity, crying often,
inattentive, fidgeting, disturbing other children, easily frustrated,
failure to finish things, quickly changing moods). Rating: 0= never, 1=
occasionally, 2= often, 3= very often. Therefore the higher the score the
more prominent and severe the symptoms. Other assessment instruments
included standardized achievement and intelligence tests.


The medicines used included Calc-carb (15), Sulphur (8), Chamomilla (5),
Lycopodium (5), Silica (5), Hepar-sulph (4), Nux-vom (4), China (3),
Ignatia (3), and Mercurius (3). Each of the following were used in one case
only: Capsicum, Causticum, Hyoscyamus, Phosphorus, Phosphoric-acid,
Sepia,and Staphysagria. Each was used on a daily bases in the Q3 to Q42
potency (LM). No other treatment of any kind was permitted during the
course of the study.


The progress under homeopathic treatment was assessed with the parents only
at intervals of 4 weeks. After an unlimited period of observation, children
eligible for the crossover phase of the trial were randomly assigned to
either receive the appropriate homeopathic medicine or a placebo in a
blinded trial. During the second period of the crossover phase, the groups
were switched. Following the crossover phase, the children were then
treated with their homeopathic medicine in an open label phase of the trial.


Study Results


Results showed that children did not improve while taking placebo, but
continued to improve while taking the homeopathic medicine during the
blinded phase of the trial and in the post-crossover phase. The median
Conners rating for ADHD symptoms dropped from 19 at the start of treatment
to a median of 8 within 6 weeks after the crossover phase of the trial.
During the blinded trial the children receiving placebo had a high CGI
rating of 12 compared to the homeopathic group with a rating of 9. After
all children were returned to their homeopathic medicine, both groups
returned to the low symptom level they had achieved before the crossover
phase (median of 8).


The authors formed a definitive conclusion from this study. The results of
this trial point to the effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of
ADHD.


HPA Attention Seminar


The Holistic Pediatric Association will be teaching a seminar on the
Holistic Treatment of Attention and Autistic Spectrum Disorders on January
28, 2006. Practitioners can see details and register for this and all other
HPA seminars at the website:


http://www.hpakids.org/PediatricSeminars.htm


Holistic Pediatric Association
1275 Fourth Street, #118
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-237-5312


________________________________________________
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissin...7&sid=6072491&...
26255868000


Doctors face off over homeopathy


swissinfo


September 9, 2005 11:01 AM


Medical researchers in Switzerland are at odds over the value of
homeopathy, after scientists at Bern University reported it was no better
than a placebo.


The debate comes in the wake of a decision by the federal authorities to
exclude alternative medicines from compulsory health insurance.


Researchers led by Matthias Egger of Bern University's department of social
and preventive medicine recently stirred up a hornet's nest by claiming
that homeopathic treatments were no better than giving patients sugar pills.


They compared clinical trial results of conventional medicines with those
of homeopathic medications in a so-called meta-analysis of 220 studies.


Egger's team concluded that there was little evidence of specific effects
of homeopathic remedies, but strong indications that conventional medicine
did work.


"The larger the study, the smaller the effects of homeopathic treatment
are, to the point of disappearing," Egger told swissinfo. "There is no
difference between the placebo group and the homeopathic group."


"With conventional treatments, the effects get smaller as the study gets
larger, but they are still there."


Beneficial to patients


But research led by André Thurneysen of the university's institute for
complementary medicine seems to show otherwise. Thurneysen and his
co-authors published another article showing that homeopathic treatment
could benefit children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD).


"Our study definitely shows that homeopathy can have beneficial effects and
has a clinical value," said Thurneysen.


He believes the results have implications stretching beyond ADHD. "We don't
understand how it works, but we see that it works efficiently."


The homeopathy specialist, who lectures on the subject at the university,
reckons 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," he told
swissinfo.


Thurneysen also says that the team led by Egger was only made up of
epidemiologists who could not understand how homeopathy functions.


Standing firm


Egger stands behind his research, and points out that one of his
co-authors is an experienced homeopathic specialist. He says the attack,
although very personal, is not unexpected.


"People tend to have a very strong belief in homeopathy and it fits with
how they see the world," he said. "If someone comes along and says these
effects are all in the mind, it is really a dramatic attack not only on
commercial interests but also on a whole belief system."


He adds that his goal is not to add another nail into homeopathy's coffin.


"This doesn't mean homeopathy doesn't work," he told swissinfo. "It just
means that the benefit people get out of these treatments is not related to
any pharmacological effect, but probably has more to do with the
interaction between the patient and his physician."


For Egger, the fact that physician and patient believe in this therapeutic
system - a so-called context effect - is probably more important than in
conventional medicine, where patient-doctor interaction is often more
limited, due to time pressures.


"I think we need more research into how these context effects work and on
whom, and in which situations they are particularly strong," he said. "We
need to find out how the patient-doctor interaction can be optimised."


Not covered by insurance


The debate over homeopathy's effectiveness comes after the Swiss interior
ministry in June decided to exclude alternative medicines from compulsory
heath insurance.


Egger's study was one element used to reach this decision, although he
believes all types of treatment should be considered.


"We are moving towards a health system where officials are looking closely
at whether a treatment has specific effects or not, and removing those
without proven effects from basic cover," he said. "But this should include
all types of medicine."


The whole debate over homeopathy has been clouded by the decision of the
ministry in charge of health matters.


But Thurneysen reckons it will always be difficult for some to admit the
value of this type of treatment.


"Plenty of people will be convinced by our research, but there will be many
others who will say it's rubbish because they don't want to understand what
we have tried to accomplish."


swissinfo, Scott Capper
______________________________


Swiss Study Demonstrates the Effect of Homeopathy in Hyperactive Children


A study performed by KIKOM (Kollegialen Instanz für Komplementärmedizin der
Universität Bern) and the "Medizinischen Univertitätsklinik Bern" has
demonstrated the efficacy of homeopathic medicinal products in children
with an Attention Deficit Syndrome (ADS). The study was published in the
"European Journal of Paediatrics" . The findings are in opposition to the
recently published meta-analysis by the "Institut für Sozial- und
Präventivmedizin" of the Bern University labelling homeopathy to be just a
placebo effect.


An interdisciplinary research team of that University directed by Dr. med
Heiner Frei came to the conclusion that ADS symptoms like hyperactivity,
shyness or anxiety decreased by 37 to 63 percent. The learning behaviour
improved and the duration of the positive effect was for a longer period of
time.


From 2001 till 2005 the researchers followed the effects of a homeopathic
treatment in children with ADS. After a neuro-psychological and
neurological check the children were individually treated by a homeopathic
physician. The data was collected according to the double blind cross over
method. Neither the patient nor the doctor knew who received the placebo or
the real medicine. During the treatment the children were regularly
examined by a neuro-psychologist.


This positive result puts the homeopathic treatment for ADS patients on an
equal level with regular medicine. The latter treating the children with
medicinal substances having effects on the psyche, often with side effects.
According to Dr. Frei the homeopathic treatment has a favourable cost
effect.


(Source: Deutscher Zentralverein homoepathischer)

LadyLollipop wrote:

"Peter Bowditch" wrote in message
news
"john" wrote:



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



13/9/2005 ECCH Press Release

Homeopathic treatment effective in ADHD

But I thought that there was no such thing as ADHD. Have the alties
changed their minds (sic) on this?

This isn't an altie (sic) whodid the study

Whoooosh! Point skims top of Lollipop's head..




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).

How can this non-existent thing be important?

The study did not say it was non-existent.

Whoooosh! Point skims La Lollipop's head again.

Cathy


snip Lollicrap and pointlessly reposted article

"cathyb" wrote

snip waste of bandwidth

oups.com...

LadyLollipop wrote:

"Peter Bowditch" wrote in message
news
"john" wrote:



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



13/9/2005 ECCH Press Release

Homeopathic treatment effective in ADHD

But I thought that there was no such thing as ADHD. Have the alties
changed their minds (sic) on this?

This isn't an altie (sic) who did the study



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).

How can this non-existent thing be important?

The study did not say it was non-existent.

LadyLollipop wrote:
"cathyb" wrote

snip waste of bandwidth

A post solely to snip waste of bandwidth? LOL



oups.com...

LadyLollipop wrote:

"Peter Bowditch" wrote in message
news "john" wrote:



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



13/9/2005 ECCH Press Release

Homeopathic treatment effective in ADHD

But I thought that there was no such thing as ADHD. Have the alties
changed their minds (sic) on this?

This isn't an altie (sic) who did the study



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).

How can this non-existent thing be important?

The study did not say it was non-existent.

john wrote:
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:
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 ( P0.0001). 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.
___________________________________________


http://www.naturalmatters.net/articl...cle=231&cat=85

Homeopathy Proven Successful for ADHD
03/08/2005


Holistic Pediatric Newsletter

Randall Neustaedter OMD

The number of children put on drugs for attention problems is staggering,
and school authorities pressure parents to use dangerous stimulant
medications and antidepressants to keep children behaving in specific
desirable patterns in the classroom. The approach of holistic pediatrics
offers an effective management system for attention problems (so-called ADD
and ADHD). An important component of this system includes the prescription
of constitutional homeopathic medicines according to the principles of
classical homeopathy.

Clinical Study Design

Now a carefully controlled clinical trial has shown that homeopathy does
significantly improve attention. This study was published in the July 27,
2005 online edition of the European Journal of Pediatrics. The study,
conducted in Switzerland, followed 62 children diagnosed with attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). All children were carefully
diagnosed with a number of screening instruments to verify the diagnosis of
ADHD, excluding other diagnoses. The study involved three phases. First the
children were treated with a constitutional homeopathic medicine
individualized to their case. Only the children who improved by at least 50
percent on an ADHD rating scale were included in the second phase of the
study, a crossover trial with a placebo group. Following that crossover
phase, the children were then treated again with their homeopathic medicine
in an open label phase.

The primary device for measuring improvement was the Conners Global Index
(CGI), a 10-item rating scale containing the most important ADHD symptoms
(temper outbursts, excitability, impulsivity, overactivity, crying often,
inattentive, fidgeting, disturbing other children, easily frustrated,
failure to finish things, quickly changing moods). Rating: 0= never, 1=
occasionally, 2= often, 3= very often. Therefore the higher the score the
more prominent and severe the symptoms. Other assessment instruments
included standardized achievement and intelligence tests.

The medicines used included Calc-carb (15), Sulphur (8), Chamomilla (5),
Lycopodium (5), Silica (5), Hepar-sulph (4), Nux-vom (4), China (3),
Ignatia (3), and Mercurius (3). Each of the following were used in one case
only: Capsicum, Causticum, Hyoscyamus, Phosphorus, Phosphoric-acid,
Sepia,and Staphysagria. Each was used on a daily bases in the Q3 to Q42
potency (LM). No other treatment of any kind was permitted during the
course of the study.

The progress under homeopathic treatment was assessed with the parents only
at intervals of 4 weeks. After an unlimited period of observation, children
eligible for the crossover phase of the trial were randomly assigned to
either receive the appropriate homeopathic medicine or a placebo in a
blinded trial. During the second period of the crossover phase, the groups
were switched. Following the crossover phase, the children were then
treated with their homeopathic medicine in an open label phase of the trial.

Study Results

Results showed that children did not improve while taking placebo, but
continued to improve while taking the homeopathic medicine during the
blinded phase of the trial and in the post-crossover phase. The median
Conners rating for ADHD symptoms dropped from 19 at the start of treatment
to a median of 8 within 6 weeks after the crossover phase of the trial.
During the blinded trial the children receiving placebo had a high CGI
rating of 12 compared to the homeopathic group with a rating of 9. After
all children were returned to their homeopathic medicine, both groups
returned to the low symptom level they had achieved before the crossover
phase (median of 8).

The authors formed a definitive conclusion from this study. The results of
this trial point to the effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of
ADHD.

HPA Attention Seminar

The Holistic Pediatric Association will be teaching a seminar on the
Holistic Treatment of Attention and Autistic Spectrum Disorders on January
28, 2006. Practitioners can see details and register for this and all other
HPA seminars at the website:

http://www.hpakids.org/PediatricSeminars.htm

Holistic Pediatric Association
1275 Fourth Street, #118
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-237-5312


________________________________________________
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissin...072491&cKey=11
26255868000



Doctors face off over homeopathy




swissinfo

September 9, 2005 11:01 AM


Medical researchers in Switzerland are at odds over the value of
homeopathy, after scientists at Bern University reported it was no better
than a placebo.

The debate comes in the wake of a decision by the federal authorities to
exclude alternative medicines from compulsory health insurance.


Researchers led by Matthias Egger of Bern University's department of social
and preventive medicine recently stirred up a hornet's nest by claiming
that homeopathic treatments were no better than giving patients sugar pills.

They compared clinical trial results of conventional medicines with those
of homeopathic medications in a so-called meta-analysis of 220 studies.

Egger's team concluded that there was little evidence of specific effects
of homeopathic remedies, but strong indications that conventional medicine
did work.

"The larger the study, the smaller the effects of homeopathic treatment
are, to the point of disappearing," Egger told swissinfo. "There is no
difference between the placebo group and the homeopathic group."

"With conventional treatments, the effects get smaller as the study gets
larger, but they are still there."

Beneficial to patients

But research led by André Thurneysen of the university's institute for
complementary medicine seems to show otherwise. Thurneysen and his
co-authors published another article showing that homeopathic treatment
could benefit children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD).

"Our study definitely shows that homeopathy can have beneficial effects and
has a clinical value," said Thurneysen.

He believes the results have implications stretching beyond ADHD. "We don't
understand how it works, but we see that it works efficiently."

The homeopathy specialist, who lectures on the subject at the university,
reckons 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," he told
swissinfo.

Thurneysen also says that the team led by Egger was only made up of
epidemiologists who could not understand how homeopathy functions.

Standing firm

Egger stands behind his research, and points out that one of his
co-authors is an experienced homeopathic specialist. He says the attack,
although very personal, is not unexpected.

"People tend to have a very strong belief in homeopathy and it fits with
how they see the world," he said. "If someone comes along and says these
effects are all in the mind, it is really a dramatic attack not only on
commercial interests but also on a whole belief system."

He adds that his goal is not to add another nail into homeopathy's coffin.

"This doesn't mean homeopathy doesn't work," he told swissinfo. "It just
means that the benefit people get out of these treatments is not related to
any pharmacological effect, but probably has more to do with the
interaction between the patient and his physician."

For Egger, the fact that physician and patient believe in this therapeutic
system - a so-called context effect - is probably more important than in
conventional medicine, where patient-doctor interaction is often more
limited, due to time pressures.

"I think we need more research into how these context effects work and on
whom, and in which situations they are particularly strong," he said. "We
need to find out how the patient-doctor interaction can be optimised."

Not covered by insurance

The debate over homeopathy's effectiveness comes after the Swiss interior
ministry in June decided to exclude alternative medicines from compulsory
heath insurance.

Egger's study was one element used to reach this decision, although he
believes all types of treatment should be considered.

"We are moving towards a health system where officials are looking closely
at whether a treatment has specific effects or not, and removing those
without proven effects from basic cover," he said. "But this should include
all types of medicine."

The whole debate over homeopathy has been clouded by the decision of the
ministry in charge of health matters.

But Thurneysen reckons it will always be difficult for some to admit the
value of this type of treatment.

"Plenty of people will be convinced by our research, but there will be many
others who will say it's rubbish because they don't want to understand what
we have tried to accomplish."

swissinfo, Scott Capper
______________________________


Swiss Study Demonstrates the Effect of Homeopathy in Hyperactive Children



A study performed by KIKOM (Kollegialen Instanz für Komplementärmedizin der
Universität Bern) and the "Medizinischen Univertitätsklinik Bern" has
demonstrated the efficacy of homeopathic medicinal products in children
with an Attention Deficit Syndrome (ADS). The study was published in the
"European Journal of Paediatrics" . The findings are in opposition to the
recently published meta-analysis by the "Institut für Sozial- und
Präventivmedizin" of the Bern University labelling homeopathy to be just a
placebo effect.



An interdisciplinary research team of that University directed by Dr. med
Heiner Frei came to the conclusion that ADS symptoms like hyperactivity,
shyness or anxiety decreased by 37 to 63 percent. The learning behaviour
improved and the duration of the positive effect was for a longer period of
time.



From 2001 till 2005 the researchers followed the effects of a homeopathic
treatment in children with ADS. After a neuro-psychological and
neurological check the children were individually treated by a homeopathic
physician. The data was collected according to the double blind cross over
method. Neither the patient nor the doctor knew who received the placebo or
the real medicine. During the treatment the children were regularly
examined by a neuro-psychologist.



This positive result puts the homeopathic treatment for ADS patients on an
equal level with regular medicine. The latter treating the children with
medicinal substances having effects on the psyche, often with side effects.
According to Dr. Frei the homeopathic treatment has a favourable cost
effect.



(Source: Deutscher Zentralverein homoepathischer)

So, ADHD is caused by thirst?

Mark Probert wrote:
snipped for brevity

So, ADHD is caused by thirst?

LOL)))))))

Cathy

john wrote:
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:
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 ( P0.0001). 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.
___________________________________________


http://www.naturalmatters.net/articl...cle=231&cat=85

Homeopathy Proven Successful for ADHD
03/08/2005


Holistic Pediatric Newsletter

Randall Neustaedter OMD

The number of children put on drugs for attention problems is staggering,
and school authorities pressure parents to use dangerous stimulant
medications and antidepressants to keep children behaving in specific
desirable patterns in the classroom. The approach of holistic pediatrics
offers an effective management system for attention problems (so-called ADD
and ADHD). An important component of this system includes the prescription
of constitutional homeopathic medicines according to the principles of
classical homeopathy.

Clinical Study Design

Now a carefully controlled clinical trial has shown that homeopathy does
significantly improve attention. This study was published in the July 27,
2005 online edition of the European Journal of Pediatrics. The study,
conducted in Switzerland, followed 62 children diagnosed with attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). All children were carefully
diagnosed with a number of screening instruments to verify the diagnosis of
ADHD, excluding other diagnoses. The study involved three phases. First the
children were treated with a constitutional homeopathic medicine
individualized to their case. Only the children who improved by at least 50
percent on an ADHD rating scale were included in the second phase of the
study, a crossover trial with a placebo group. Following that crossover
phase, the children were then treated again with their homeopathic medicine
in an open label phase.

The primary device for measuring improvement was the Conners Global Index
(CGI), a 10-item rating scale containing the most important ADHD symptoms
(temper outbursts, excitability, impulsivity, overactivity, crying often,
inattentive, fidgeting, disturbing other children, easily frustrated,
failure to finish things, quickly changing moods). Rating: 0= never, 1=
occasionally, 2= often, 3= very often. Therefore the higher the score the
more prominent and severe the symptoms. Other assessment instruments
included standardized achievement and intelligence tests.

The medicines used included Calc-carb (15), Sulphur (8), Chamomilla (5),
Lycopodium (5), Silica (5), Hepar-sulph (4), Nux-vom (4), China (3),
Ignatia (3), and Mercurius (3). Each of the following were used in one case
only: Capsicum, Causticum, Hyoscyamus, Phosphorus, Phosphoric-acid,
Sepia,and Staphysagria. Each was used on a daily bases in the Q3 to Q42
potency (LM). No other treatment of any kind was permitted during the
course of the study.

The progress under homeopathic treatment was assessed with the parents only
at intervals of 4 weeks. After an unlimited period of observation, children
eligible for the crossover phase of the trial were randomly assigned to
either receive the appropriate homeopathic medicine or a placebo in a
blinded trial. During the second period of the crossover phase, the groups
were switched. Following the crossover phase, the children were then
treated with their homeopathic medicine in an open label phase of the trial.

Study Results

Results showed that children did not improve while taking placebo, but
continued to improve while taking the homeopathic medicine during the
blinded phase of the trial and in the post-crossover phase. The median
Conners rating for ADHD symptoms dropped from 19 at the start of treatment
to a median of 8 within 6 weeks after the crossover phase of the trial.
During the blinded trial the children receiving placebo had a high CGI
rating of 12 compared to the homeopathic group with a rating of 9. After
all children were returned to their homeopathic medicine, both groups
returned to the low symptom level they had achieved before the crossover
phase (median of 8).

The authors formed a definitive conclusion from this study. The results of
this trial point to the effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of
ADHD.

HPA Attention Seminar

The Holistic Pediatric Association will be teaching a seminar on the
Holistic Treatment of Attention and Autistic Spectrum Disorders on January
28, 2006. Practitioners can see details and register for this and all other
HPA seminars at the website:

http://www.hpakids.org/PediatricSeminars.htm

Holistic Pediatric Association
1275 Fourth Street, #118
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-237-5312


________________________________________________
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissin...072491&cKey=11
26255868000



Doctors face off over homeopathy




swissinfo

September 9, 2005 11:01 AM


Medical researchers in Switzerland are at odds over the value of
homeopathy, after scientists at Bern University reported it was no better
than a placebo.

The debate comes in the wake of a decision by the federal authorities to
exclude alternative medicines from compulsory health insurance.


Researchers led by Matthias Egger of Bern University's department of social
and preventive medicine recently stirred up a hornet's nest by claiming
that homeopathic treatments were no better than giving patients sugar pills.

They compared clinical trial results of conventional medicines with those
of homeopathic medications in a so-called meta-analysis of 220 studies.

Egger's team concluded that there was little evidence of specific effects
of homeopathic remedies, but strong indications that conventional medicine
did work.

"The larger the study, the smaller the effects of homeopathic treatment
are, to the point of disappearing," Egger told swissinfo. "There is no
difference between the placebo group and the homeopathic group."

"With conventional treatments, the effects get smaller as the study gets
larger, but they are still there."

Beneficial to patients

But research led by André Thurneysen of the university's institute for
complementary medicine seems to show otherwise. Thurneysen and his
co-authors published another article showing that homeopathic treatment
could benefit children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD).

"Our study definitely shows that homeopathy can have beneficial effects and
has a clinical value," said Thurneysen.

He believes the results have implications stretching beyond ADHD. "We don't
understand how it works, but we see that it works efficiently."

The homeopathy specialist, who lectures on the subject at the university,
reckons 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," he told
swissinfo.

Thurneysen also says that the team led by Egger was only made up of
epidemiologists who could not understand how homeopathy functions.

Standing firm

Egger stands behind his research, and points out that one of his
co-authors is an experienced homeopathic specialist. He says the attack,
although very personal, is not unexpected.

"People tend to have a very strong belief in homeopathy and it fits with
how they see the world," he said. "If someone comes along and says these
effects are all in the mind, it is really a dramatic attack not only on
commercial interests but also on a whole belief system."

He adds that his goal is not to add another nail into homeopathy's coffin.

"This doesn't mean homeopathy doesn't work," he told swissinfo. "It just
means that the benefit people get out of these treatments is not related to
any pharmacological effect, but probably has more to do with the
interaction between the patient and his physician."

For Egger, the fact that physician and patient believe in this therapeutic
system - a so-called context effect - is probably more important than in
conventional medicine, where patient-doctor interaction is often more
limited, due to time pressures.

"I think we need more research into how these context effects work and on
whom, and in which situations they are particularly strong," he said. "We
need to find out how the patient-doctor interaction can be optimised."

Not covered by insurance

The debate over homeopathy's effectiveness comes after the Swiss interior
ministry in June decided to exclude alternative medicines from compulsory
heath insurance.

Egger's study was one element used to reach this decision, although he
believes all types of treatment should be considered.

"We are moving towards a health system where officials are looking closely
at whether a treatment has specific effects or not, and removing those
without proven effects from basic cover," he said. "But this should include
all types of medicine."

The whole debate over homeopathy has been clouded by the decision of the
ministry in charge of health matters.

But Thurneysen reckons it will always be difficult for some to admit the
value of this type of treatment.

"Plenty of people will be convinced by our research, but there will be many
others who will say it's rubbish because they don't want to understand what
we have tried to accomplish."

swissinfo, Scott Capper
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Swiss Study Demonstrates the Effect of Homeopathy in Hyperactive Children



A study performed by KIKOM (Kollegialen Instanz für Komplementärmedizin der
Universität Bern) and the "Medizinischen Univertitätsklinik Bern" has
demonstrated the efficacy of homeopathic medicinal products in children
with an Attention Deficit Syndrome (ADS). The study was published in the
"European Journal of Paediatrics" . The findings are in opposition to the
recently published meta-analysis by the "Institut für Sozial- und
Präventivmedizin" of the Bern University labelling homeopathy to be just a
placebo effect.



An interdisciplinary research team of that University directed by Dr. med
Heiner Frei came to the conclusion that ADS symptoms like hyperactivity,
shyness or anxiety decreased by 37 to 63 percent. The learning behaviour
improved and the duration of the positive effect was for a longer period of
time.



From 2001 till 2005 the researchers followed the effects of a homeopathic
treatment in children with ADS. After a neuro-psychological and
neurological check the children were individually treated by a homeopathic
physician. The data was collected according to the double blind cross over
method. Neither the patient nor the doctor knew who received the placebo or
the real medicine. During the treatment the children were regularly
examined by a neuro-psychologist.



This positive result puts the homeopathic treatment for ADS patients on an
equal level with regular medicine. The latter treating the children with
medicinal substances having effects on the psyche, often with side effects.
According to Dr. Frei the homeopathic treatment has a favourable cost
effect.



(Source: Deutscher Zentralverein homoepathischer)

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fantastic!!

A cure using a non-existant methodology to a mythical disease.

I assume that there is no cost involved.

j.

tfic