ADD & ADHD

Help for ADHD and ADD Symptoms

Naturally resolve restlessness, focus, and more

By Avghi Constantinides, DHom, HMC, RSHom(NA), MA

In the bustling landscape of mental health, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have emerged as enigmatic conditions, shaping the lives of millions of children and adults worldwide.

Currently, an estimated 6.1 million children in the United States have an ADHD diagnosis.¹ Plus, approximately 8.7 million U.S. adults have an ADHD diagnosis.²

A diagnosis of “different”

It’s already tough growing up these days and even more challenging when a child must deal with a neurotransmitter imbalance, such as ADHD or ADD. In my practice, I commonly see the devastation a young child experiences upon hearing they are “different” and receiving tests to confirm an ADHD or ADD diagnosis.

A diagnosis can help students get extra exam time and sometimes garner teacher leniency. Yet, I often see the emotional toll on a child when they feel inadequate and think there is something wrong with them, beliefs which can lead to low mood, poor behavior, or anxious thoughts.

ADHD and ADD symptoms can persist from childhood into adulthood and feel like a stigma, impacting various aspects of life, including academics, work, and relationships. Therefore, individuals and families should consider various treatment options beyond medication, such as behavioral therapy, holistic healthcare, lifestyle changes, and support networks. In my experience, homeopathic remedies work extremely well with ADHD and ADD symptoms, as seen in the following story about 15-year-old Frank.

Frank can’t focus

Frank’s mother listed “inability to focus on tasks and schoolwork” as the main complaint on his intake form. She wrote that he missed homework deadlines because he forgot to do it. In addition, she noted that Frank studied a lot but didn’t seem to retain much information.

Also, on the intake form, Frank checked several behavior descriptors, including restless, anxious, ambitious, hurried, impatient, motivated, needs company, very observant, procrastinating, talkative, trouble concentrating, worried, and workaholic. He wrote that his hobbies were playing video games and hanging out with friends.

Frank had been diagnosed with ADD a few years before and was taking Vyvanse 20mg daily when I first met him. His mother did not want Frank to stay on the prescription medication long-term, which was the main reason they were seeking a homeopath’s help.

Delightful but worried teen

What struck me about Frank was his strong connection to his family and faith, not your typical 15-year-old. He was such a pleasure to talk to—smart, intelligent, friendly, open, and polite. He had lots of stories to share with me and quickly hopped from one topic to another. Frank disliked the heat where he and his parents lived and needed the air conditioner at night to sleep.

Frank said, “I worry a lot about school. I study really hard but kinda get sleepy when I’m studying, and the information doesn’t seem to stay in my brain when I take tests. I always forget my homework or some book I need in school.” (I noticed Frank’s right knee constantly bouncing up and down during our conversation.)

His mom added,  “Frank over-worries and occasionally gets down and sad. He thinks he will never do well in school and has let our family down.”

History helps

I find it helpful to research children’s and teenagers’ history to understand their current symptoms better. For young children, I ask the parents about their mental, physical, and emotional health at the time of conception. Were parents working with chemicals or taking medications? Was the pregnancy planned or a surprise? Were there any significant stressors during the pregnancy? People often think that life starts after the baby arrives, but the child’s vital force, the level homeopathy acts on, forms early. For teenagers, I ask the parents to share about their child’s early years.

Frank, as a child

Frank’s mom said he had many sore throats and bouts of tonsillitis when he was younger. “Our nickname for young Frank was “Wreck it, Ralph” because nine out of 10 times he would knock over a glass of water on the table. He still bumps into furniture and drops things. Frank has always been a sweet, kind, but forgetful kid. He could never sit still and sometimes would be jealous of his older brother.”

 

Choosing the right remedy

After reviewing Frank’s consultation notes, I narrowed down my list of remedy choices to these four: Silicea, Lycopodium, Phosphorus, and Apis.

Silicea was a strong contender to match Frank’s difficulties concentrating on his studies,  remembering the details, and having low self-confidence. However, Frank’s ease with conversation and sharing about himself during the consultation did not align with the shyness I would expect to see in someone who needed Silicea.

 

Lycopodium is also a helpful remedy for someone with low self-esteem who struggles in school.

But Frank’s sweet, kind, and open nature did not match the bossy, bullying, or sometimes introverted behavior I often see in those who benefit from Lycopodium.

Phosphorus matched Frank’s friendly, caring nature and inability to focus. However, those who need Phosphorus almost always speak about their many fears, such as being afraid of thunderstorms or being in the dark.

Apis best matched Frank’s entire list of symptoms, including his inability to sit still, clumsiness, difficulty concentrating when reading, writing, and studying, and absentmindedness. Those who need Apis have a strong connection to their family and can be jealous of family members. They jump from one story or topic to another when telling a story. Plus, they are usually sensitive to heat.

A big difference

I gave Frank Apis 30c, and his parents and teachers soon noticed a difference. Frank was focusing and completing tasks better and seemed less restless. Not long after, Frank’s pediatrician reduced his medication dose because he could see a change in Frank’s behavior. Over the next few months, I gave Frank Apis 200c and 1M, both higher potencies, to support his healing process. Frank took doses of Apis 1M as needed for a few years, and his doctor eventually discontinued his medication.

A new remedy emerges

Frank excelled in high school, his grades improved, and after graduation, he went to a university about 3,000 miles from home. During his first semester, Frank had frequent colds and sore throats. He became shy in his new environment and worried he would fail academically.

Frank grew his hair long, and when we were on telemedicine calls, he constantly put his fingers through it. He said, “I want my hair to look perfect.” When he studied, he retained most of what he read but still worried about getting it right and earning a good grade. Frank was not eating as well as at home and had lost weight. He also had acne for the first time.

I saw a shift in Frank’s overall demeanor and changed his remedy to Silicea, which matched his shyness, concern about school and his appearance, and physical symptoms—frequent colds, sore throats, and acne. Throughout his four years in school, he took Silicea 1M two to three times per year.

Fast-forward many years, Frank now has a great job and is a very confident and competent member of the workforce. He reports good health and has not needed a remedy dose since college.

Gentle healing to restore health

Over the past two decades, our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and ADD has undergone a profound transformation, accompanied by shifts in diagnosis, treatment modalities, and societal perceptions. As we delve into the intricate tapestry of the ADHD and ADD diagnoses, we see that these conditions extend far beyond mere attention deficit and hyperactivity. They intertwine with various aspects of cognitive function, emotional regulation, and social interaction, leaving an indelible imprint on individuals across all ages.

Homeopathy offers gentle healing without troublesome side effects to those seeking to manage their symptoms and restore health. I’ve enjoyed watching many clients with ADHD and ADD diagnoses move into a state of health that better represents their true nature.

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Common ADHD and ADD symptoms

 

1. Attention difficulties – easily distracted, poor or lack of concentration, mistakes in reading and writing, misunderstanding verbal instructions, weak organizational skills, and forgetfulness
2. Hyperactivity – restlessness, fidgeting, inability to sit still, always fast-moving, feeling of internal restlessness
3. Impulsiveness – acts before thinking, behavior outbursts, impatience, interrupting others
4. Disagreeable behavior – getting into trouble because of the above symptoms, frustration, anger, aggressiveness.

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ADHD and ADD Remedy Suggestions

 

Here are a few of the many remedies that can help with ADHD and ADD symptoms. The best way to find the right remedy is by looking at all a person’s symptoms. If you find a match for you or your child, I suggest a 30c potency. If you don’t find a match or need help, find a professional homeopath at HomeopathyCenter.org.

 

Apis – clumsiness, absent-mindedness, industrious; the person is fidgety and changes the subject frequently when telling a story; they cannot concentrate while studying and are strongly connected to their family, even though they may be jealous of them

 

Cina – uncontrollable muscle twitching and spasms; the person is very sensitive to noise and touch (clothes on their skin), unhappy, difficult to please, and easily frightened; they often act out in school, do not obey authority, hit others when being reprimanded, and sometimes have convulsions after a scolding

Coffea cruda – hyperactivity, restlessness, and anxiousness from overstimulation; the person has a sharp mind and “over-thinks” into burnout, making it hard to focus; they sleep poorly, overreact to noises, odors, or crowds, and have fast-changing emotions

Cuprum metallicum – muscle spasms and cramps, nervousness, stubbornness; the person bites, spits, hits, and shrieks; they think an approaching person will attack them, so they put up a fight

Gallicum acidum – hyperactivity, jealousy, and attention-seeking antics; the person is rude, abusive, and curses; they are restless, sweaty, and afraid to sleep alone at night

Hyoscyamus niger – anger, rage, jealousy, mania, suspiciousness, and paranoia; the person likes to runs around naked, touching their genitals, fights, bites, and strikes others; they mutter to themselves, laugh hysterically, pick at their clothing, and portray silly behavior

Nux vomica – hyperactivity, hypersensitivity to sounds, odors, and bright lights, and competitive jealousy (sibling or peer rivalry); the person is smart, robust, irritable, and easily angered; they like to boss others around and can have a lot of gastrointestinal problems

Phosphorus – friendliness, openness, sympathy, curiosity, and boundarylessness—talking to strangers, class clown, etc.; the person is afraid to be alone because something “bad” will happen; they fear ghosts and can hear paranormal “sounds”

Stramonium – violence (at parents and siblings), uncontrollable impulsivity, and mania; the person is loud, outspoken, energetic, and disruptive in school; they are afraid of being left alone, especially in the dark

Tarentula Hispanica – restlessness, hurriedness, hyperactivity, harmful impulsivity, and mania; the person is fidgety, irritable, sly, cunning, selfish, impatient, and intelligent; they love music and dancing and have erratic moods, behavior outbursts, and lots of fears

Veratrum album – obsessive curiosity, restlessness, hyperactivity; the person is deceitful, disobedient, and when scolded, they ritualistically behaviors, rip paper into small pieces or stack things; they do not show emotion when reprimanded, “don’t care,” and act like they are more special everyone else

Zincum metallicum – mind and nerve overstimulation, hyperactivity, sensitivity, uncontrollable twitching spasms in the lower limbs, motor or sound tics, and agitation; the person is dissatisfied, cannot concentrate, talks a lot, and often makes writing and speaking mistakes; they have lots of ideas but are exhausted from an inability to focus

 

 

References

1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024 May 15). Facts about ADHD throughout the years. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/adhd-throughout-the-years.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/timeline.html

2. Forbes Health. (2023 August 24). ADHD statistics and facts in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/adhd-statistics/#:~:text=An%20estimated%208.7%20million%20adults,continued%20ADHD%20symptoms%20into%20adulthood