Homeopathic treatment of hyperactive children: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study

Abstract

From 2001 to 2005, an interdisciplinary study team at the University of Bern conducted a scientifically rigorous study of homeopathic treatment in 62 children with ADD. The study design comprised an open screening phase in which the best-matching homeopathic remedy had to be identified, followed by a double-blind crossover study and finally an open long-term treatment phase lasting an average of 19 months. During the screening phase, the Conners Global Index (CGI) decreased from 19 to 8 points (p=0.0001), and comparison of neuropsychological assessments between the beginning and end of the screening phase showed highly significant improvements in holistic visual recognition, impulsivity, and divided attention (p=0.0001). In the crossover study, a significant difference between placebo and active treatment was found despite a strong carryover effect (1.67 CGI points, p=0.0479).