Abstract
Attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition in children that may persist into adulthood. Conventional treatment primarily consists of behavioural accommodation and medication, with stimulants being the most commonly prescribed. Homeopathy is a holistic medical profession that is based on the law of similars and individualizes its treatment approach to each patient by considering a variety of factors that may influence the patient’s wellbeing and response to medical intervention. In South Africa, the scope of practice of homeopaths makes provision for the diagnosis and management of a wide variety of conditions, including psychiatric conditions such as ADHD. Research has shown that individualized homeopathic treatment has a role to play in the management of ADHD. There have been no studies done to date to determine homeopathic practitioners’ approaches to the management of ADHD in children in the South African setting.
This study aimed at determining homeopathic practitioners’ approaches to managing ADHD in South Africa by means of the Delphi technique.
This descriptive study involved the administration of a series of online questionnaires to a panel of experts, related to the research question. The Delphi study collected both qualitative and quantitative data to synthesize the real-world knowledge of several individuals. Through the process of consolidation involving the recognition of common trends and examination of exceptions, it facilitated the ability to reach a consensus as to the most successful form of management in terms of real-world outcomes. This method provided anonymity to the participants, which in turn, encouraged freedom of the expression of personal opinions and the reduction in risk of group dynamics influencing responses.
A panel of twenty-five homeopathic practitioners participated in this study, twenty-one of whom completed all three rounds, until the required level of consensus was reached. Inclusion criteria were homeopathic practitioners registered with the AHPCSA that were in practice at the time, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in treating patients with ADHD, and who had a valid email address. A total of forty-one
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statements regarding the management of ADHD in children in homeopathic practice received consensus of ≥ 75% and were placed into the following categories: homeopathic approach; homeopathic treatment; health supplements; dietary and lifestyle intervention and referrals.
In this study it was determined that the use of a clinical, classical and mixed homeopathic approach may be useful in the management of ADHD in children. Homeopathic treatment that reached consensus includes certain organotherapy remedies, tissue salts, mother tinctures and nosodes. Health supplements that achieved consensus include omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin B complex, probiotics and prebiotics. It was also determined that dietary advice and certain lifestyle changes may benefit children with ADHD. Practitioners also made recommendations for adopting a multidisciplinary approach which included referral for occupational and psychological therapies.
This study determined the homeopathic approach, homeopathic treatment, recommendations for health supplements, dietary and lifestyle advice as well as referral for the management of ADHD in children by homeopathic practitioners, which may be of value to the profession. The study also identified certain gaps in current available research on the homeopathic management of ADHD in children and further research is therefore required.