Conditions which accompany a main condition or diagnosis are called comorbid complaints or comorbidities.
According to scientific studies, autistic people as a group tend to have a greater number of additional health challenges or comorbidities than those found in the general population. Most of these are common conditions but according to the science, they occur more often in autistic people.
In this post, I’m taking a look at the scientific studies available to show evidence that homeopathy offers an effective method of holistic treatment.
Article 1
Evidence that Autistic People have More Health Issues and Need More Treatment
A large study was carried out in Canada involving 583 females (286 < 19 years old) and 1457 males (1207 < 19 years old) with ASD.
The study examined direct billing data for medical practices in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in a population of children and adults for the treatment of any presenting concern in the Calgary Health Zone (n = 763,449) over a 16-year period from 1994 to 2009. The study concluded that patients with ASD have significant comorbidity of physical disorders.
The study also found that the group with ASD had a greater overall 16-year average total visit cost per patient than those diagnosed with any other developmental condition or those without any diagnosed developmental condition.
Conclusion: The present study orients clinicians to the need to consider the physical and biomedical comorbidities in relation to ASD assessment, care, and service integration planning.
Cawthorpe D. Comprehensive Description of Comorbidity for Autism Spectrum Disorder in a General Population. Perm J. 2017;21:16-088. doi: 10.7812/TPP/16-088. PubMed PMID: 28241914; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5283790.
Full Text Available Here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5283790/
What Health Issues are Commonly Seen in Autistic People?
Studies show that the following complaints are commonly found alongside autism:
ADHD
Sleep Disturbance and Insomnia
Anxiety
Atopic Conditions and Allergies
Ear Infections
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
In this blog post, I look at each of the above complaints.
I first provide evidence that the complaint is more common in autism than in the general population.
I then provide evidence that these can be successfully treated with homeopathy.
Evidence that ADHD occurs more frequently in comorbidity with Autism
Numerous studies describe the comorbidity of Autism and ADHD.
Articles 2 and 3 are given as examples.
Article 2
Avni E, Ben-Itzchak E, Zachor DA. The Presence of Comorbid ADHD and Anxiety Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical Presentation and Predictors. Front Psychiatry. 2018 Dec 20;9:717. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00717. PubMed PMID: 30618886; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6306461.
Full Study Available Here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6306461/#B5
Article 3
Lau-Zhu A, Fritz A, McLoughlin G. Overlaps and distinctions between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in young adulthood: Systematic review and guiding framework for EEG-imaging research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2019 Jan;96:93-115. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.10.009. Epub 2018 Oct 24. PubMed PMID: 30367918; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6331660.
Full Study Available Here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6331660/
Scientific Evidence on Homeopathic Treatment for ADHD
Article 4
Swiss randomised, double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial of ADHD Treated with Homeopathy
A total of 62 children 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 Conners’ Global Index (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.
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.
Homeopathic treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial. Frei H, Everts R, von Ammon K, Kaufmann F, Walther D, Hsu-Schmitz SF, Collenberg M, Fuhrer K, Hassink R, Steinlin M, Thurneysen A. Eur J Pediatr. 2005 Dec;164(12):758-67. Epub 2005 Jul 27. PMID: 16047154
Link to Study Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16047154/
Article 5
Discussion of Optimal Observation Period in ADHD Studies of Homeopathy
Discussion of a 2005 Randomised Controlled Trial by the same Swiss authors, explaining that, while 84% of the original group responded positively, this response took place after a median time of 5 months (range 1-18), with a median of 3 different medications (range 1-9). Five months after treatment started, the difference in Conners Global Index (CGI) rating between responders and non-responders became highly significant (p = 0.0006). Improvement in CGI was much greater following the identification of the optimal medication than in the preceding suboptimal treatment period (p < 0.0001).
This points to the advisability of a long observation period (> 12 months) to see the true real-life outcomes for children with ADHD who are treated with homeopathy.
Randomised controlled trials of homeopathy in hyperactive children: treatment procedure leads to an unconventional study design. Experience with open-label homeopathic treatment preceding the Swiss ADHD placebo controlled, randomised, double-blind, cross-over trial. Frei H, Everts R, von Ammon K, Kaufmann F, Walther D, Schmitz SF, Collenberg M, Steinlin M, Lim C, Thurneysen A. Homeopathy. 2007 Jan;96(1):35-41. PMID: 17227746
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17227746
Article 6
Swiss Study on Hyperactivity Treated With Homeopathy
114 children attending a paediatric practice where conventional and homeopathic medicines were used, and who were previously diagnosed with ADHD, were given individualised homoeopathic medicines (increasing potencies of the most similar LM remedy). On a parent assessed basis (confirmed by the clinician), if a minimum 50% improvement was not noted within a certain period of time they were placed on Methylphenidate. 75% of the children responded to homoeopathy and 22% required Methylphenidate. 3% of patients did not respond to either regime.
Treatment for hyperactive children: homeopathy and methylphenidate compared in a family setting. Frei H, Thurneysen A. Br Homeopath J. 2001 Oct;90(4):183-8. PMID: 11680802
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11680802
Article 7
Indian randomised placebo-controlled pilot trial of ADHD Treated with Homeopathy
This pilot study was designed to compare the effects of individualised homeopathy with placebo, in 6-15 year old children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
54 children were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or homeopathic treatment for 12 months, and monitored using Conner’s Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short, the Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-SS), Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Scale (CGI-IS) and academic performance.
When compared to the assessment at baseline, after 12 months of treatment, the homeopathic intervention was associated with a statistically significant improvement in all areas.
Conclusion: This pilot study provides evidence to support the therapeutic effects of individualised homoeopathic medicines in ADHD children.
Oberai SP, Varanasi G, Mishra, A, et al. Homoeopathic management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A randomised placebo-controlled pilot trial. Indian J Res Homoeopathy. 2013;7:4.
Article 8
Canadian Open-Label Pilot Study of Homeopathic Treatment of ADHD
An open-label pilot study of individualized homeopathy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was conducted to assess the potential for future studies with a focus on the feasibility of the recruitment plan and outcome measure schedules; identification of any group characteristics of participants who respond significantly to the therapy; and establishing the length of time required for an improvement in ADHD symptoms.
35 participants aged 6–16 years, with a diagnosis of ADHD, completed 1 screening and 9 individualized homeopathic follow-up consultations over an 11 month period. Sixty-three percent of participants in this study reported a statistically significant improvement in their ADHD symptoms, first occurring after a mean of 4.5 visits.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the methods used were feasible and that a future, randomized controlled study designed to assess the effects of homeopathic treatment and medication in the management of ADHD is warranted.
An open-label pilot study of homeopathic treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and youth. Brulé D, Sule L, Landau-Halpern B, Nastase V, Jain U, Vohra S, Boon H. Forsch Komplementmed. 2014;21(5):302-9. doi: 10.1159/000368137. Epub 2014 Sep 19. PMID: 25427521
Full Text pdf https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/368137
Evidence that Sleep disturbance is more common in Children with Autism
Article 9
The study results show that children with ASD are at high risk for sleep disturbances. Sleep disorders may negatively affect the autistic symptoms and inattentiveness in ASD children. The successful intervention for these sleep problems may prevent functional impairments and improve the clinical symptoms and quality of life of both patients and parents.
Gunes S, Ekinci O, Feyzioglu A, Ekinci N, Kalinli M. Sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder: clinical correlates and the impact of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2019 Apr 2;15:763-771. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S195738. PubMed PMID: 31040675; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6452798.
Full Text Available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6452798/
Article 10
This study found that Sleep disturbances and circadian sleep alterations are frequent in subjects with autistic symptoms.
Carmassi C, Palagini L, Caruso D, Masci I, Nobili L, Vita A, Dell'Osso L. Systematic Review of Sleep Disturbances and Circadian Sleep Desynchronization in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Toward an Integrative Model of a Self-Reinforcing Loop. Front Psychiatry. 2019 Jun 6;10:366. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00366. PubMed PMID: 31244687; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6581070.
Full Text Available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6581070/
Studies on Insomnia treated with Homeopathy
Article 11
Psychophysiological Onset Insomnia Treated with Homeopathy
This study examined the effect of a homeopathic combination remedy on Psychophysiological Onset Insomnia, defined as sleeplessness exceeding 30 min due to learned, sleep-preventing behaviours and hyperarousal at bedtime.
Patients with Psychophysiological Onset Insomnia typically worry that they are not going to get enough sleep and about how their lack of sleep is going to affect them the next day. It is regarded as learned insomnia because the patient, at some point, experienced insomnia and then became preoccupied with their sleep. Their anxiety tends to intensify as they lie awake at night.
The experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in pre-sleep arousal as well as sleep onset latency (time taken to fall asleep) over the 4 wks of the study. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed that the improvement occurred gradually. Intergroup analysis showed through both the PSAS and the SD that the experimental group had outperformed the placebo group by day 28 of the study.
The effect of a homeopathic complex on psychophysiological onset insomnia in males: a randomized pilot study. Harrison CC, Solomon EM, Pellow J. Altern Ther Health Med. 2013 Sep-Oct;19(5):38-43. PMID: 23981403
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23981403
Article 12
Individualised Homeopathy in Chronic Primary Insomnia
Chronic primary insomnia is defined as difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep or of non-restorative sleep that lasts for at least 1 month and causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
This South African study was done by a team from the Department of Homoeopathy at Durban University of Technology. It was focused on determining the effects of constitutional homeopathic treatment* for insomnia, when compared to a placebo control. 30 people diagnosed with primary insomnia were randomly selected to receive either prescribed homeopathic therapy for 6 weeks or a placebo “prescribed” using the same process.
The subjects were assessed at each of the 3 consultations conducted through the treatment process with reference to a sleep diary and sleep impairment index. An analysis of the outcomes showed that sleep duration, sleep quality and all of the associated parameters measured improved significantly under homeopathic treatment, when compared to that using the placebo control.
As well as showing good results for homeopathy, the study is interesting because both groups were given the typically detailed and in-depth consultation process that is used in individualised constitutional homeopathy. Some would ascribe improvements seen under homeopathy to a placebo effect of the consultation. However, in the study, the placebo group showed initial improvement (which one might expect was due to the placebo effect of the detailed consultation) but this effect did not hold. Only the verum group (which received the actual homeopathic remedy) showed a sustained improvement.
Conclusion: The homeopathic simillimum* treatment of primary insomnia was effective, compared to placebo. Homeopathy is a viable treatment modality for this condition and further research is justified.
*Constitutional homeopathic treatment is also referred to as Homeopathic Similimum, which means that subjects are given an individualised remedy based on a full evaluation of the patient’s physical, emotional and mental characteristics.
Naudé DF, Stephanie Couchman IM, Maharaj A. Homeopathy. 2010 Jan;99(1):63-8. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2009.11.001. Erratum in: Homeopathy. 2010 Apr;99(2):151. PMID: 20129178
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20129178
Article 13
Individualized homeopathic treatment of insomnia: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
In this Indian study, 60 patients were randomized to receive either an individualised homeopathic remedy or placebo (1:1). The patients kept a sleep diary comprising 6 items:
1: latency to fall asleep,
2: minutes awake in middle of night,
3: minutes awake too early,
4: hours spent in bed,
5: total sleep time in hours, and
6: sleep efficiency.
That and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were taken as the primary and secondary outcomes respectively, measured at baseline, and after 3 months.
Conclusion: Individualised Homeopathy seemed to produce significantly better effect than placebo. Rigorous trials and independent replications are warranted.
Efficacy of individualized homeopathic treatment of insomnia: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Michael J, Singh S, Sadhukhan S, Nath A, Kundu N, Magotra N, Dutta S, Parewa M, Koley M, Saha S. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Apr;43:53-59. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.01.007. Epub 2019 Jan 9. PMID: 30935555
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30935555
Article 14
Observational Study Comparing the Effectiveness of a Known Herbal Sleep Remedy, Valerian with a Homeopathic Combination Remedy Consisting of Homeopathic Coffea, Avena Sativa, Passiflora and Zincum.
Sleep latency (the time taken to fall asleep) was reduced from baseline by 37.3 ± 36.3 min with the homeopathic remedy and by 38.2 ± 38.5 min with herbal valerian. The duration of sleep increased by 2.2 (±1.6) h in the homeopathic group and by 2.0 (±1.5) h in the valerian group.
Differences between the groups in improvement on sleep duration were significantly in favour of the homeopathic therapy at days 8, 12, and 14. At day 28, quality of sleep was similarly improved in both groups but more patients reported lack of daytime fatigue with the homeopathic remedy than with valerian.
Waldschütz R, Klein P. The homeopathic preparation Neurexan vs. valerian for the treatment of insomnia: an observational study. ScientificWorldJournal. 2008 Apr 20;8:411-20. doi: 10.1100/tsw.2008.61. PubMed PMID: 18454251; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5848849.
Full Text Available Here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5848849/
Autism and Comorbid Anxiety
Article 15
Overview of the prevalence of anxiety symptoms in a clinical Dutch sample of children with ASD
Study findings showed that the prevalence of both parent-rated and child-rated subclinical and clinical anxiety symptoms was high: more than 60% of the participating children with ASD had at least subclinical anxiety symptoms according to children and more than 80% of the children had at least subclinical anxiety symptoms according to parents. Parents reported higher total anxiety, separation anxiety, panic disorder/agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety than in other children.
Wijnhoven LAMW, Creemers DHM, Vermulst AA, Granic I. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anxiety in a Clinical Dutch Sample of Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2018 Mar 2;9:50. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00050. PubMed PMID: 29551982; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5840159.
Full Text available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5840159/
Anxiety and Sleep Treated with Homeopathy
Article 16
Open-label observational study of the homeopathic medicine Passiflora for anxiety and sleep disorders
In this French study involving a total of 639 patients, anxiety and sleep disorder improved significantly in patients given homeopathic Passiflora over a 4-week period.
Open-label observational study of the homeopathic medicine Passiflora Compose for anxiety and sleep disorders. Villet S, Vacher V, Colas A, Danno K, Masson JL, Marijnen P, Bordet MF. Homeopathy. 2016 Feb;105(1):84-91. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.07.002. Epub 2015 Aug 29. PMID: 26828002
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26828002
Article 17
Anxiety and Sleep
This open-label observational study was designed to examine the effects of a homeopathic combination product on anxiety and the quantitative changes in the sleep pattern of the subjects included in the study.
71 people suffering from mild to moderate anxiety were assessed for anxiety and sleep habits at baseline and again after 30 days of use of the combination. At both visits, subjects were administered the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-Y questionnaire (consisting of trait and state subscales) to assess their level of anxiety. Sleep quality was assessed based on the subjects’ self- reported number of hours slept and number of night-time awakenings, before and after treatment.
When compared to baseline, the average (STAI)-state score at visit 2 decreased by more than 6 points, while the STAI-trait score decreased by more than 3 points. The average number of hours slept per night increased significantly at visit 2 compared to baseline, and a 42% decrease in the average number of night-time awakenings was also observed.
Effect of a homeopathic-complex medicine on state and trait anxiety and sleep disorders: a retrospective observational study. Coppola L, Montanaro F. Homeopathy. 2013 Oct;102(4):254-61. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2013.07.002. PMID: 24050771
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24050771
Article 18
Acute Stress Response
German study of a proprietary homeopathic remedy’s effect on Stress Response as measured by norepinephrine levels and sleep quality.
Conclusion: The homeopathic preparation Nervoheel N can offer an alternative to lorazepam therapy for mild nervous disorders.
Effects of a homeopathic combination remedy on the acute stress response, well-being, and sleep: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Hellhammer J, Schubert M. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Feb;19(2):161-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.2010.0636. Epub 2012 Sep 10. PMID: 22963271
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22963271
Article 19
Mild Nervous Disorders: insomnia, distress, anxieties, restlessness
In an open-label, prospective non-randomized cohort study, a combination homeopathic remedy was compared for effectiveness and tolerability with the benzodiazepine, lorazepam, in 248 patients with insomnia, distress, anxieties, restlessness or burnout and similar nervous conditions (‘mild nervous disorders’).
Patients were treated with either the homeopathic combination remedy (Nervoheel N) or the sedative medication (lorazepam) at the recommended doses for a maximum of 4 weeks.
Results: Both treatment groups reported significant symptomatic improvements of similar magnitude during the course of the study. Both treatments were well tolerated, with few adverse events and very good self-assessed tolerability ratings by the patients.
Conclusion: In patients who opt for a homeopathic treatment regimen for the short-term relief of mild nervous disorders, the effects of Nervoheel N are non-inferior to those of lorazepam.
Van den Meerschaut L, Sünder A. The homeopathic preparation Nervoheel N can offer an alternative to lorazepam therapy for mild nervous disorders. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Dec;6(4):507-15. doi: 10.1093/ecam/nem144. Epub 2007 Oct 25. PubMed PMID: 18955261; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2781768.
Full Text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781768/
Article 20
Animal study on reduction of anxiety with Homeopathy
In a follow-up to previous work done in this area, researchers from the University of Verona in Italy investigated the anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) properties of homeopathically prepared materials on mice. Using a randomized, blinded and controlled protocol, mice were assigned to be given one of several homeopathic potencies of Gelsemium, Aconite, Ignatia or material doses of positive controls (diazepam or buspirone) or a negative control (ethanol and water).
They were exposed to stressful environmental situations (open field test or light-dark tests) and assessed for anxiety in relation to these environments. Compared to the controls, cumulative analysis of the results demonstrated a highly significant effect of Gelsemium 5C and 30C in both tests and Ignatia 9C in the Light-Dark test. The results indicate an anxiolytic rather than a sedative effect.
Bellavite P, Bonafini C, Marzotto M. Experimental neuropharmacology of Gelsemium sempervirens: Recent advances and debated issues. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2018 Jan-Mar;9(1):69-74. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.01.010. Epub 2018 Feb 7. PubMed PMID: 29428604; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5884012.
For a detailed discussion of the 2010 study and subsequent articles, see full text here:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5884012/#bib32
Comorbidity of Atopic Disorders with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Atopic disorders include eczema, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma and hay fever. A predisposition to atopy may be inherited, leading to sensitivity or a heightened immune response so that the condition may be triggered by environmental allergens.
Article 21
This population-based longitudinal study involved children enrolled in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Program during 2000-2010. The study identified 387,262 children who had a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis before age 2 years, matching them with the same number of children without atopic dermatitis.
They found that an estimated 0.5% of atopic disease exposed children received a diagnosis of ASD, and 3.7% were diagnosed with ADHD, significantly higher than the respective rates of 0.4% and 2.9% found in their nonexposed peers.
Having an atopic condition before age 2 years was associated with an increased hazard ratio for ASD by 10% and that for ADHD by 16%. Such increases were particularly prominent among those with earlier-onset or more severe atopic dermatitis and were especially higher for children with persistent atopic dermatitis and emerging atopic respiratory diseases in childhood.
Comorbidity of Atopic Disorders with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Liao TC, Lien YT, Wang S, Huang SL, Chen CY. J Pediatr. 2016 Apr;171:248-55. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.12.063. Epub 2016 Feb 2. PMID: 26846570
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26846570
Studies on Atopic Disorders treated with Homeopathy
Article 22
This Italian observational longitudinal study was carried out on 213 children with atopic diseases over a period ranging from 5 – 10 years between September 1998 and December 2008. 83 of the children were affected by asthma, 51 by allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, 76 by Atopic Dermatitis and 3 by food intolerance. Follow-up patients numbered 104 children and 62.5% of them reported a major improvement or resolution.
The parents of paediatric patients suffering from AD, who had started homeopathic treatment at <4.9 years of age were invited to follow-up assessment 8 years later and 40 children (mean age 12.9) were examined; 28/40 (70%) had a complete disappearance of AD, 12/40 children (30.0%) were still affected by AD
The study concluded that these preliminary results seem to confirm a positive therapeutic effect of homeopathy in atopic children. Furthermore, according to the data from the literature, paediatric patients treated with homeopathy seem to show a reduced tendency to maintain AD and develop asthma (and allergic rhinitis) in adult age.
Homeopathy in paediatric atopic diseases: long-term results in children with atopic dermatitis. Rossi E, Bartoli P, Bianchi A, Da Frè M. Homeopathy. 2012 Jan;101(1):13-20. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2011.09.003. PMID: 22226310
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22226310
Article 23
A further study by the same authors followed a larger cohort of 325 children from 1998 to 2014. At re-evaluation after 5–10 years, complete remission of atopic symptoms was obtained in 70.1% of the children: 84.2% in dermatitis; 48.1% in allergic rhinitis; 71.4% in asthma. Children with two or three atopic diseases at the first visit were completely cured in 40% of cases.
Their conclusion: “The results seem to confirm that homeopathic medicine produces positive therapeutic response in atopic children.”
Homeopathic therapy in pediatric atopic diseases: short- and long-term results. Rossi E, Picchi M, Bartoli P, Panozzo M, Cervino C, Nurra L. Homeopathy. 2016 Aug;105(3):217-224. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2016.03.001. Epub 2016 Apr 13. PMID: 27473542
Abstract available here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1475491616000187
Article 24
Study on Individualised Homeopathy and Allergies
Austrian Study: patients diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and neurodermatitis before and after homeopathic treatment were assessed by means of questionnaires.
The symptoms of patients undergoing homeopathic treatment were shown to improve substantially and conventional medication dosage could be substantially reduced.
Real-life effect of classical homeopathy in the treatment of allergies: A multicenter prospective observational study. Gründling C, Schimetta W, Frass M. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2012 Jan;124(1-2):11-7. doi: 10.1007/s00508-011-0104-y. Epub 2011 Dec 8. PMID: 22138796
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22138796
Article 25
Atopic Dermatitis treated with Homeopathy
This was an observational study of 42 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) which aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment of AD in a general homeopathic practice setting. The study concluded that in a general medical practice setting, homeopathic treatment could be regarded as an effective choice for patients with AD.
Prospective observational study of 42 patients with atopic dermatitis treated with homeopathic medicines. Eizayaga JE, Eizayaga JI. Homeopathy. 2012 Jan;101(1):21-7. doi: 0.1016/j.homp.2011.09.002. PMID: 22226311
Link to study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22226311
Article 26
A review of homeopathic research in the treatment of respiratory allergies
This article reviews evidence from controlled trials for the use of homeopathy in respiratory allergies. Several clinical trials, many of which were published in “high impact” conventional medical journals, describe significant effects of homeopathic treatment in allergic patients.
A review of homeopathic research in the treatment of respiratory allergies. Ullman D, Frass M. Altern Med Rev. 2010 Apr;15(1):48-58. Review. PMID: 20359268
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20359268
Article 27
Homeopathy in acute rhinosinusitis: German Study
A total of 144 patients with acute rhinosinusitis were treated in a randomized, double-blind study either with a homeopathic remedy (n=72) or placebo (n=72). At the control examinations after 7, 14 and 21 days, five sinusitis-typical symptoms were measured with scores from 0 (absent) to 4 (very strong).
Results: The homeopathic treatment resulted in freedom from complaints in 90.3% of the patients and improvement in a further 8.3%, whereas in the placebo group, the complaints remained unchanged or became worse in 88.9% of the patients.
Homeopathy in acute rhinosinusitis: a double-blind, placebo controlled study shows the efficiency and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy. Friese KH, Zabalotnyi DI. HNO. 2007 Apr;55(4):271-7. German. PMID: 17180695
Abstract available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17180695
Article 28
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: prospective, multicenter observational study
123 patients with a history of allergic rhinitis of up to 45 years were treated with a combination homeopathic remedy and observed for 4 weeks.
Results: The majority of symptoms were shown to improve substantially and the patients’ quality of life increased clearly. The overall symptom score decreased significantly from 10.3 ± 4.7 to 3.9 ± 3.1 points (p < 0.0001), and reduction of impairment of quality of life from 5.7 ± 2.3 to 1.9 ± 1.8 score points was also significant (p < 0.0001). Rating of efficacy of study medication was markedly better than efficacy rating of previous therapies (p = 0.0193).
Homeopathic complex remedy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: results of a prospective, multicenter observational study. Trompetter I, Lebert J, Weiß G. Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(1):18-23. doi: 10.1159/000375244. Epub 2015 Feb 9. PMID: 25824400
Full Study available here: https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/375244
Evidence that Children with ASD are more likely to have middle ear infections
Article 29
This retrospective case-cohort study compared acute otitis media (AOM), and otitis-related diagnoses among children with and without ASD. Children with ASD had a significantly increased rate of AOM, otitis media with effusion, otorrhea, and PE tube placement. Children with ASD are more likely to have middle ear infections and otitis-related complications.
Adams DJ, Susi A, Erdie-Lalena CR, Gorman G, Hisle-Gorman E, Rajnik M, Elrod M, Nylund CM. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 May;46(5):1636-42. doi: 10.1007/s10803-015-2689-x. PMID: 26739355
Link to study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26739355
Scientific Evidence for Otitis Media Treated with Homeopathy
Article 30
Randomized controlled pilot study to compare Homeopathy and Conventional therapy in Acute Otitis Media
RTC involving 81 patients, 41 for conventional and 40 for homeopathic treatment.
Patients were randomised to receive either individualized homeopathic medicines, or conventional treatment including analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients who did not improve were prescribed antibiotics at the 3rd day. Outcomes were assessed by the Acute Otitis Media-Severity of Symptoms (AOM-SOS) Scale and Tympanic Membrane Examination over 21 days. In the Conventional group antibiotics were prescribed in 39 (97.5%), no antibiotics were required in the Homeopathy group.
Randomized controlled pilot study to compare Homeopathy and Conventional therapy in Acute Otitis Media. Sinha MN, Siddiqui VA, Nayak C, Singh V, Dixit R, Dewan D, Mishra A. Homeopathy. 2012 Jan;101(1):5-12. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2011.08.003. PMID: 22226309
Link to Study here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22226309
Article 31
Homeopathic Ear Drops as an Adjunct in Reducing Antibiotic Usage in Children With Acute Otitis Media
The aim of this study was to determine if an inexpensive and safe intervention (homeopathic ear drops) could reduce antibiotic usage without leading to increased AOM symptomatology or adverse side effects. A total of 210 participants were enrolled in the study, including 105 randomized to homeopathic ear drops in addition to standard therapy.
Results: The provision of a commercially available homeopathic ear drop preparation to parents of children diagnosed with acute AOM and managed using a delayed antibiotic approach was associated with a significant reduction in antibiotic use in children compared with children managed with standard therapy alone, including analgesics. The fill rate for the antibiotic prescription given, or promised, at the index AOM visit, was reduced by 35%, or 14.3 percentage points, among those given the ear drops.
Authors’ Conclusions: our data suggest that homeopathic ear drops are a useful adjunctive treatment to reduce antibiotic usage in children with AOM who are managed with a delayed antibiotic approach.
Taylor JA, Jacobs J. Homeopathic Ear Drops as an Adjunct in Reducing Antibiotic Usage in Children With Acute Otitis Media. Glob Pediatr Health. 2014 Nov 21;1:2333794X14559395. doi: 10.1177/2333794X14559395. PubMed PMID: 27335917; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4804695.
Full Text Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4804695/
Article 32
Homeopathic Medications as Clinical Alternatives for Symptomatic Care of Acute Otitis Media and Upper Respiratory Infections in Children
In Summary: Based on the evidence, homeopathic medicines offer one viable strategy for treating pediatric AOM and URIs to reduce not only adverse events from conventional symptomatic drug treatments but also inappropriate use of antibiotics and the associated worldwide problem of drug resistant organisms.
Bell IR, Boyer NN. Homeopathic medications as clinical alternatives for symptomatic care of acute otitis media and upper respiratory infections in children. Glob Adv Health Med. 2013 Jan;2(1):32-43. doi: 10.7453/gahmj.2013.2.1.007. PubMed PMID: 24381823; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3833578.
Full Study Available Here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3833578/
Evidence that Gastrointestinal Symptoms are More Common in Autism
Article 33
Comorbid Gastrointestinal symptoms and their associated behavioural symptoms in 230 preschoolers are examined in this Italian study. ASD patients were compared with non-ASD patients for prevalence and types of symptoms.
A significantly higher percentage of ASD (37.4%) versus TD (typically developing) (14.8%) with GI symptoms was observed. The study also found that ASD children with gastro-intestinal symptoms had more anxiety problems, somatic complaints, externalizing and total problems than ASD individuals who did not have gastro-intestinal symptoms.
Gastrointestinal symptoms and behavioral problems in preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Fulceri F, Morelli M, Santocchi E, Cena H, Del Bianco T, Narzisi A, Calderoni S, Muratori F. Dig Liver Dis. 2016 Mar;48(3):248-54. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2015.11.026. Epub 2015 Dec 11. PMID: 26748423
Study Link available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26748423
Article 34
Case Study: Constipation and Diarrhoea Treated With Homeopathy
In this Japanese study, Bowel nosodes, (homeopathic remedies made from the intestinal bacteria of European patients from the 1900s), were administered to Japanese patients suffering from gastrointestinal disturbances, such as constipation and diarrhoea, to determine their therapeutic efficacy.
69.6% of dysbiotic patients taking bowel nosodes showed improvements and 26% of patients showed major improvement. No harmful effects were reported by any patient. These results suggest that the homeopathic bowel nosodes are a useful method for controlling gastrointestinal disturbances.
Case Study of Homeopathic Bowel Nosode Remedies for Dysbiotic Japanese Patients. Uchiyama-Tanaka Y. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Feb;24(2):187-192. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0061. Epub 2017 Aug 14. PMID: 28805460
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28805460
Article 35
Homeopathy for childhood diarrhea: combined results and metaanalysis from three randomized, controlled clinical trials
Three double blind clinical trials of diarrhea in 242 children ages 6 months to 5 years were analyzed as 1 group. Children were randomized to receive either an individualized homeopathic medicine or placebo to be taken as a single dose after each unformed stool for 5 days. Parents recorded daily stools on diary cards, and health workers made home visits daily to monitor children.
Results:
Combined analysis shows a duration of diarrhea of 3.3 days in the homeopathy group compared with 4.1 in the placebo group (P = 0.008). The metaanalysis shows a consistent effect-size difference of approximately 0.66 day (P = 0.008).
Conclusions:
The results from these studies confirm that individualized homeopathic treatment decreases the duration of acute childhood diarrhea and suggest that larger sample sizes be used in future homeopathic research to ensure adequate statistical power.
Homeopathy for childhood diarrhea: combined results and metaanalysis from three randomized, controlled clinical trials. Jacobs J, Jonas WB, Jiménez-Pérez M, Crothers D. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2003 Mar;22(3):229-34. PMID: 12634583
Abstract available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12634583
Article 36
Gastrointestinal Issues: Spasms, Cramping Pain, Frequent Crying treated with Homeopathic Combination Remedy
A proprietary homeopathic preparation, Spascupreel, was compared with that of a conventional medication, hyoscine butylbromide, in children <12 years of age. The results showed comparative improvements in both groups on severity of spasms, pain/cramps, sleep disturbances, eating or drinking difficulties, and frequent crying, all as evaluated by the practitioner. Both treatments were very well tolerated. The study concluded that for patients opting for a homeopathic therapy, Spascupreel seems to be an effective and well tolerated alternative to conventional therapies in children suffering from gastrointestinal spasms.
Effects of Spascupreel versus hyoscine butylbromide for gastrointestinal cramps in children. Müller-Krampe B, Oberbaum M, Klein P, Weiser M. Pediatr Int. 2007 Jun;49(3):328-34. PMID: 17532830
Full text available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1442-200X.2007.02382.x
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