Inattention:

· Fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes

· Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

· Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

· Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks

· Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

· Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as school work)

· Loses things needed for tasks or activities

· Is easily distracted

· Is forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity:

· Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms when seated

· Does not remain seated when expected to

· Runs or climbs excessively in inappropriate situations (in teens or adults, may be feelings of restlessness)

· Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

· Acts as if "driven by a motor".

· Talks excessively

· Blurts out answers before questions are completed

· Has difficulty waiting his or her turn

· Interrupts or intrudes on others

What Causes It?:

No one is sure what causes ADHD. Although environmental factors may play a role, researchers are now looking to find answers in the structure of the brain.

· Altered Brain Function:

Brain scans show differences in the brains of children with ADHD compared to those of non-ADHD children. For example, many children with ADHD tend to have altered brain activity in the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain known as the command center. This may affect their ability to control impulsive and hyperactive behaviors. Researchers also believe hyperactive behavior in children can be caused by too much slow wave (or theta) activity in certain regions of the brain.

· Genetics:

ADHD seems to run in families.

· Maternal or Childhood exposure to Certain Toxins:

Women who smoke, drink, and are exposed to PCBs during pregnancy are more likely to have children with ADHD. Children who are exposed to lead, PCBs, or phthalates are more likely to develop the disorder.

· Pre-Term Birth:

Up to 20% of babies who are born prematurely develop ADHD.

Risk Factors:

· Heredity. Children with ADHD usually have at least one first-degree relative who also has the disorder.

· Gender. ADHD is 4 to 9 times more common in boys than in girls. Some experts believe that the disorder is underdiagnosed in girls, however, and recent studies show no association between a child's sex and ADHD.

· Prenatal and early postnatal health.

· Maternal drug, alcohol, and cigarette use.

· Exposure of the fetus or infant to toxins, including lead and PCBs.

· Nutritional deficiencies and imbalances.

· Pre-term birth and low birth weight.

· Low Apgar scores at birth.

· Other behavioral disorders, especially those that involve too much aggression (such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorder).

Alternative Methods:

Diets:

Other dietary therapies may concentrate on eating foods that are high in protein and complex carbohydrates, and eliminating sugar and artificial sweeteners. One study found increased hyperactivity among children after eating foods with artificial food colouring and additives. However, studies show no relation between sugar and ADHD. In one study, children whose diets were high in sugar or artificial sweeteners behaved no differently than children whose diets were free of these substances. This was true even among children whose parents described them as being "sugar sensitive". However, some researchers believe that chronic excessive sugar intake leads to alterations in brain signalling, which would contribute to the symptoms associated with ADHD.

Vitamins and Minerals:

· Magnesium:

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include irritability, decreased attention span, and mental confusion. Some experts believe that children with ADHD may have a mild magnesium deficiency.

· Vitamin B6:

The body needs sufficient vitamin B6 to make the brain chemicals affected in children with ADHD, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. One preliminary study found that B6 pyridoxine was slightly more effective than Ritalin in improving behaviour among hyperactive children.

· Zinc:

Zinc regulates the activity of brain chemicals, fatty acids, and melatonin, all of which are related to behaviour.

· Essential fatty acids:

Fatty acids, such as those found in fish and fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) and evening primrose oil (omega-6 fatty acids), are "good fats" that play a key role in normal brain function.

· L-carnitine:

L-carnitine is formed from an amino acid and helps cells in the body produce energy. L-carnitine may make symptoms of hypothyroid worse, and may increase the risk of seizures.

Herbs:

Herbs may help strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider before starting treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, or teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

· Roman chamomile (Chamaemelumnobile) Chamomile may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to Ragweed. Chamomile may have estrogen-like effects in the body and therefore should be used with caution in people with hormone-related conditions, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancers, or endometriosis.

· Valerian (Valerian officinalis) Valerian can potentially interact with certain medications. Since valerian can induce drowsiness, it may interact with sedative medications.

· Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) Lemon balm may interact with sedative medications.

· Passionflower(Passifloraincarnata) Passionflower may interact with sedative medications. Other herbs commonly contained in botanical remedies for ADHD include:

· Gingko (Gingko biloba): Used to improve memory and mental sharpness. Use gingko with caution if you have a history of diabetes, seizures, infertility, and bleeding disorders. Gingko can interact with many different medications, including but not limited to, blood-thinning medications.

· American ginseng (Panaxquinquefolium) and gingko. One study suggests that gingko in combination with ginseng may improve symptoms of ADHD. Use American ginseng with caution if you have a history of diabetes, hormone-sensitive conditions, insomnia, or schizophrenia. It can interact with several medications, including but not limited to, blood-thinning medications.

Homeopathy:

Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type, includes your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. The homeopathic remedies found to be most effective included:

· Stramonium. For children who are fearful, especially at night.

· Cina. For children who are irritable and dislike being touched; whose behaviour is physical and aggressive.

· Hyoscyamusniger. For children who have poor impulse control, talk excessively, or act overly exuberant.

This homeopathic remedy helps reduce hyperactivity in children with ADHD and also cures the problem of inattentiveness there are.

Verta Alb Another very useful homeopathic remedy for children with ADHD is Verta alb. It is extracted from a plant that belongs to the Lily family. This homeopathic remedy helps to calm the nerves and reduce hyperactivity. It can also help improve concentration. The child becomes less irritable and throws fewer temper tantrums with the use of this remedy on a regular basis. It is the best homeopathic remedy to treat children who have behavioral problems.

Tuberculinum If the child is very restless and seeks constant stimulation, this homeopathic remedy is very beneficial in treating such symptoms. Children with ADHD show better behaviour and less irritability on regular use of this remedy.It helps remove the feeling of dissatisfaction and brings hyperactivity under control quite effectively.

ArsenIod If the child shows emotional outbursts and temper tantrums, this homeopathic remedy can be very useful in treating such symptoms. Children with ADHD benefit a lot by having Arseniod regularly as it helps control tantrums and also encourages balance in the child. If trying to learn a new skill causes frustration in the child, this remedy is very beneficial.

Barkley, R. A. (1990) Significant that the scientifically, and educationally examined for every drop of information it can yield on AD/HD and its management. The MTA Study was mammoth and unparalleled in the field of child treatment; Julian N. Kenyon(1993)study that the Hyperactivity is commonly due to reaction to foods, particularly milk and dairy products, sugar and chocolate, as well as food colourants and food additives. Salicylate containing foods are also identified as an important cause of hyperactivity in some children. Methods these supplement use of homoeopathy treatment of hyperactivity.

John Lamont (1997) significant differences were found for both comparisons, supporting the hypothesis that homoeopathic treatment is superior to placebo treatment for ADHD. Arnold L.E (1999) study that the Some alternate Tx of ADHD are effective or probably effective, but mainly for restricted etiologic subgroups. In some cases they are the Tx of choice, and initial evaluation should consider the relevant etiologies. whether they are effective and/or to define the applicable subgroup.

Erk, R. R. (2000).significant that the examined are organ city, internalizing dimension, co-occurring conditions, personality structure, and neurocounselling. Generating new perspectives for counselling practitioners should optimize counselling or treatment outcomes for clients with this multifaceted disorder.

Frei H, and Thurneysen A.(2001) reported that the results of homeopathic treatment appear to be similar to the effects of MPD. Only children who did not reach the high level of sensory integration for school had to be changed to MPD. In preschoolers, homeopathy appears a particularly useful treatment for ADHD.

Frei H et al. (2005) suggests that the scientific evidence of the effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, particularly in the areas of behavioural and cognitive functions.

Valeria Ricotti and Norman Delanty (2006) explains that the principles of the major CAM therapies in epilepsy, and discusses peer-reviewed literature where available. More effort needs to be put into future trials, with the assistance of qualified.

Heirs M and Dean ME (2007) significant that homeopathy treatment effects for the global symptoms, core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity, or related outcomes such as anxiety in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Praveen Oberai et al. (2013) study provides evidence to support the therapeutic effects of individualised homoeopathic medicines in ADHD children. However, the results need to be validated in multi-center randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Jennifer Jacobs et al.(2005) study that the should be carried out over a longer period of time and should include a control group that does not receive the homeopathic consultation. Comparison to conventional stimulant medication for ADHD also should be considered.

Klaus von Ammon(2013)significant that the children with ADHD, individualized homeopathic therapy and conventional stimulant treatment have comparable both, clinically significant, and specific effects persistent over ten years.

Kumar M Dhawale et al(2014) significant that the remedy indicated in 9.3% children was Medorrhinum, Argenticumnitricum,Calc-flour, and Natrum salts were indicated in 6.25% children.

Jose M. Moran andJuan D. Pedrera-Zamorano (2016) investigated that the prescribed remedies and the outcome of atopic diseases in children treated with homeopathy at the Homeopathic Clinic of Lucca (Italy), and the long-term outcome of children suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD) after an approximate 8-year period (range 5–10 years).

CONCLUSION:

ADHD as a childhood disorder is becoming increasingly prevalent today. Children are put on controversial medication like Methylphenidate and amphetamine that have serious side effects. It is imperative that healthcare systems have adequate evidence to prove that homeopathy and other complementary systems offer reliable, inexpensive and curative alternatives for parents in the treatment of this disease. With this information healthcare systems may support alternative therapy like homeopathy for patients, in addition to allopathic drugs.

REFERENCES:

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Received on 08.01.2017

Modified on 28.02.2017

Accepted on 20.03.2017

Research J. Humanities and Social Sciences. 8(2): April- June, 2017, 205-209

DOI: 10.5958/2321-5828.2017.00030.4