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Papers by philippa fibert

European Journal of Integrative Medicine

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2021

Background and purpose COVID-19 is a novel viral disease causing worldwide pandemia. The aim of t... more Background and purpose COVID-19 is a novel viral disease causing worldwide pandemia. The aim of this study was describe the effect of adjunctive individualized homeopathic treatment delivered to hospitalized patients with confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patient presentation Thirteen patients with COVID-19 were admitted. Mean age was 73.4 ± 15.0 (SD) years. Twelve (92.3%) were speedily discharged without relevant sequelae after 14.4 ± 8.9 days. A single patient admitted in an advanced stage of septic disease died in hospital. A time-dependent improvement of relevant clinical symptoms was observed in the 12 surviving patients. Six (46.2%) were critically ill and treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Mean stay at the ICU of the 5 surviving patients was 18.8 ± 6.8 days. In six patients (46.2%) gastrointestinal disorders accompanied COVID-19. Conclusion The observations suggest that adjunctive homeopathic treatment may be helpful to treat patients with confirmed COVID-19 ...

This written submission by the joint research consultants of the Society of Homeopaths (referred ... more This written submission by the joint research consultants of the Society of Homeopaths (referred to as ‘the Society’ from here on) aims to provide evidence-based suggestions for the role homeopathy might play in the effective treatment, management and control of infectious diseases in order to support the UK Government’s 5 year strategy for the stewarding and conservation of existing antimicrobial treatments.

European Journal of Pediatrics, 2019

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition associated with considera... more Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition associated with considerable costs. The long-term effectiveness and acceptability of treatments to improve outcomes remains in doubt. Long-term trials are needed comparing interventions with standard care and each other. The Sheffield Treatments for ADHD Research (STAR) project used the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) approach. A cohort of children with ADHD was recruited and outcomes collected from carers and teachers. A random selection was offered treatment by homoeopaths (hom) or nutritional therapists (NT). Their outcomes (Conners Global ADHD Index) were compared with those not offered interventions. The feasibility of the methods and interventions was assessed. The TwiCs approach was feasible with modifications. 144 participants were recruited to the cohort, 83 offered treatment, 72 accepted, and 50 attended 1+ appointments. Results according to carers assessments at 6 months were as follows:

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016

Abstract Introduction Homeopathy is a system of therapeutics based on the Law of Similars where ‘... more Abstract Introduction Homeopathy is a system of therapeutics based on the Law of Similars where ‘like cures like’, using highly diluted substances that cause, in healthy persons, symptoms like those to be treated. Patients are prescribed for on an individual rather than diagnosis specific basis. This case report describes the progress of two siblings with multiple diagnoses (including ADHD), on multiple medications, receiving homeopathic treatment during one year. Multi-morbidity is a growing problem. Separate medicines are prescribed for each complaint resulting in polypharmacy, which is associated with increased incidence of adverse drug reactions. Methods The siblings received a variety of individualised homeopathic medicines, prescribed according to classical, clinical and isopathic methodologies. DSMIV ADHD total scores were measured every 4 months; and self-selected symptoms were measured using ‘Measure Your Own Medical Outcome Profile’ (MYMOP) during the 6 weekly consultations. Results Before treatment Sibling 1’s DSMIV total T score was 90+ (highest possible), MYMOP score was 5.25. Sibling 2’s DMSM total T score was 86, MYMOP score was 5.25. The siblings were on 8 medications each. After one year Sibling 1’s DSMIV total T score was 50 (normal range), MYMOP score 0.25. Sibling 2’s DSMIV total T score was 53, MYMOP score 0.00. Sibling 1 was not taking any conventional medications and sibling 2 was taking one medication. Conclusion Treatment by a homeopath employing a variety of homeopathic methodologies and medicines over 1 year was associated with improvements in ADHD status, patient generated outcomes, parent reported pathology and reduction in conventional medication. No causal conclusions on treatment efficacy can be derived, nor the effects of homeopathic medicines separated out from the reduction in conventional medicines. More systematic research is warranted to tease out these effects, and should document treatment by homeopaths as experienced in clinical practice to explore therapeutic potential.

Homeopathy, 2017

Aim: To systematically review surveys of 12-month prevalence of homeopathy use by the general pop... more Aim: To systematically review surveys of 12-month prevalence of homeopathy use by the general population worldwide. Methods: Studies were identified via database searches to October 2015. Study quality was assessed using a six-item tool. All estimates were in the context of a survey which also reported prevalence of any complementary and alternative medicine use. Results: A total of 36 surveys were included. Of these, 67% met four of six quality criteria.Twelve-month prevalence of treatment by a homeopath was reported in 24 surveys of adults (median 1.5%, range 0.2–8.2%). Estimates for children were similar to those for adults. Rates in the USA, UK, Australia and Canada all ranged from 0.2% to 2.9% and remained stable over the years surveyed (1986–2012).Twelve-month prevalence of all use of homeopathy (purchase of over-the-counter homeopathic medicines and treatment by a homeopath) was reported in 10 surveys of adults (median 3.9%, range 0.7–9.8%) while a further 11 surveys which di...

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2015

Introduction: ADHD is a common and growing problem which manifests and is diagnosed via a cluster... more Introduction: ADHD is a common and growing problem which manifests and is diagnosed via a cluster of behaviours such as inability to regulate emotions or manage motivational delay and problems with executive functioning. It frequently accompanies autism spectrum disorders and dyslexia. Homoeopathy is a system of therapeutics based on the Law of Similars where 'like cures like'. Conditions are treated by highly diluted substances that cause, in healthy persons, symptoms like those of the condition to be treated. The aim of this case report is to describe the homoeopathic treatment and progress of one 16 year old youth with diagnoses of ADHD, Asperger's syndrome and dyslexia subjected to in-utero cannabis exposure. Methods: The youth received individualised homoeopathic medicines and additional ultra-molecular dilutions of cannabis. Outcome was measured using the parent completed Conner's Parent Rating Scale-Revised-Long version (CPRS:R-L) every 4 months, with DSMIV total score selected for analysis; and Measure Your Own Medical Outcome Measure (MYMOP) every 6 weeks, completed by parent and patient. Results: At start of treatment the patient's DSMIV total T score was 90+ (highest possible); after 18 months it was 59 (within normal range). MYMOP score at start of treatment was 4.5 and 1.75 after 18 months. Conclusion: Treatment by a homoeopath over 1½ years was associated with improvements in ADHD status and patient generated outcomes. Ultra molecular dilutions of a recreational drug the patient was subjected to in-utero appear to have contributed to improvements. Systematic research with larger numbers would be required to confirm or refute this single case observation.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2014

Introduction: ADHD is a common and growing problem. There are concerns about current treatments a... more Introduction: ADHD is a common and growing problem. There are concerns about current treatments and they are not leading to improved long term outcomes. It is associated with many negative outcomes and a drain on resources across nationally funded support agencies such as education, criminal justice, social work and health care. Any new intervention would need to show clinical and cost effective improvements to these departments and demonstrate improvements in areas of unmet need including: the management of emotion (especially anger); treatment of ADHD in ASD; safety and side effects; and long term effectiveness. Current RCT evidence for homeopathy and ADHD has tested the efficacy of homeopathic medicines prescribed in a variety of unusual or inappropriate ways, but not the effectiveness of the intervention as experienced in real life. Homeopathy is considered to be a complex intervention, but these trials are not following MRC (Medical Research Council) recommendations for complex interventions, there are tensions concerning internal and external validity and information from such trials is not relevant to stakeholders. Methods: A pragmatic RCT, evaluating the comparative clinical and cost effectiveness of treatment by a homeopath, compared to usual care and other interventions is suggested. This design is proposed as being appropriate to answer questions of interest to stakeholders, address internal and external validity issues and provide robust evidence. The cmRCT design will be used. A large cohort of children with a diagnosis of ADHD will first be recruited and their outcomes measured regularly. A random selection of children fulfilling inclusion criteria will subsequently be offered homeopathic treatment for one year each. Their outcomes will be compared with those of eligible children in the cohort not offered treatment. Results: Key elements of the design include: the retention of the totality of homeopathic treatment; comparison with other effective treatments and standard care; sample size of adequate power; random distribution of groups; groups representative of the ADHD population; homeopathic treatment by several homeopaths in several locations; evaluation of clinical and cost effectiveness using measurements reflecting stakeholder requirements; objective outcome measurement; and allowance of sufficient trial time to demonstrate long term effectiveness. Conclusion: This will be the first comparative pragmatic study to be conducted into the effectiveness of treatment by homeopaths for ADHD.

Homeopathy, 2014

A total of 22 experiments were performed between 1991 and 2012, 15 by the initial team and 7 by a... more A total of 22 experiments were performed between 1991 and 2012, 15 by the initial team and 7 by altogether 5 independent researchers. In most of these experiments (the sole exception being two performed and reported by ourselves) a trend was found of T30x-animals being slower than W30x-animals. The differences in the individual subexperiments, each involving 60e100 animals per group, were mostly not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The pooled results of the initial team and those of the independent researchers did show significant differences (p < 0.01 in either case). Pooled T30x values obtained by the initial team were 10.1% smaller than W30x values (100%) (p < 0.01 and d > 0.8), and pooled T30x values from the 5 independent researchers were 12.4% smaller (p < 0.01 and d > 0.8). Analogously, the number of animals entering the juvenile stage with reduced tail was smaller for T30x than for W30x. Conclusion: A metamorphosis hormone diluted beyond Avogadro's limit using a process derived from homoeopathy produced a clear trend of metamorphosis inhibition.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2015

20 consecutively enrolled children age 5e16 with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ... more 20 consecutively enrolled children age 5e16 with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) received treatment by a homeopath (8 consultations and individualized remedies) for one year. Ten subsequently enrolled children received similar time and attention for 4 months. The study explored optimum treatment protocols; the effectiveness, deliverability and acceptability of treatment; and the feasibility of outcome measurement and recruitment. Parents completed Conners' Parent Rating Scale, Revised Long Version (CPRS-R:L) every 4 months, from which DSMIV total scores were extracted; and Measure Your Own Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) every consultation. An interaction between time (baseline/4 months) and group (treatment/non-treatment) was found .756 F (1,28) = 9.06, p = 0.005. The intervention was associated with statistically significant improvements in treated children over the year: CPRS-R:L (t (18) = 4.529, p £ 0.000); MYMOP (t (18) = 6.938, p £ 0.000). Mean DSMIV total t scores decreased at each time point: baseline: 85 (SD 5.1); 4 months 76.2 (SD 10.9); and 12 months 71.5 (SD 12.77). Recruitment of control participants was problematic. Recruitment to treatment was feasible via ADHD support groups, charities, police support agencies and social services, not schools or NHS services. Attending appointments was problematic for some participants, but home visits did not improve uptake. The best venue was a familiar clinic. Some participants took medicines inappropriately, but generally taking homeopathic remedies was acceptable and well implemented. CPRS-R:L (80 items) was problematic for some parents. MYMOP was preferred by parents but not acceptable to stakeholders. In this small consecutive sample the intervention was associated with improvements in criminality, anger and children with a concomitant diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD. Treatment by a homeopath was associated with sustained, increasing improvements and the intervention was acceptable to participants. More methodically rigorous research is warranted. "We recommend that future research in this area uses compara

Objective To identify interventions being used to manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder... more Objective To identify interventions being used to manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the UK. Design A survey within the Sheffield Treatments for ADHD Research project. A convenience sample of participants in the UK who consented to join an observational cohort were asked closed questions about medication, behavioural change programmes and service use, and an open-ended question about what else they used. Setting A broad variety of non-National Health Service, non-treatment seeking settings throughout the UK, including local authority organisations, schools, ADHD and autism spectrum condition support groups and social media. Participants Families of children aged 5–18 with carer reported ADHD and Conners Global Index (CGI) T scores of 55+. Results Responses from 175 families were analysed. The mean age of the children was 10.21 (2.44), and two-thirds (n=114) had additional diagnoses. The majority used medications to manage ADHD (n=120) and had participated in a...

Homeopathy, Feb 1, 2018

Background: There is a need to improve outcomes for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADH... more Background: There is a need to improve outcomes for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is a strain on stakeholder services and at risk of negative outcomes. Information is required about treatments that can achieve improvements in emotional regulation, criminality, school disruption, and ADHD in autism. Trials of individualised homeopathic remedies for ADHD show positive results. Trials of treatment of children with ADHD by a homeopath as experienced in clinical practice can provide useful information about the potential of homeopathic treatment to improve outcomes. Methods: This study used the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design. Participants were recruited to a long-term observational ADHD cohort and their outcomes of interest (ADHD symptoms, quality of life, school disruption, resource use and criminality) measured every 6 months. A random selection was offered treatment by a homeopath (arm 1) or a nutritional therapist (arm 2), while the remainder acted as a virtual treatment as usual (TAU) control arm (arm 3). The effectiveness of the interventions, feasibility of recruiting to the cohort, delivering the interventions, and measuring outcomes were assessed. Results: Assessment of 6-month outcomes will be conducted in March 2017. One hundred and fifty participants were recruited to the cohort between September 2015 and 2016, of whom 124 were eligible for the pilot study. Measurement of outcomes was feasible, although non-return of measures was a feature. Delivery of the interventions face to face and online was feasible and provided flexibility for this population. Conclusion: This pragmatic trial design allows the testing of treatment by homeopaths as experienced in usual practice over the long term. It provides important information to stakeholders about the potential effects of homeopathic treatment. Attrition and non-attendance were features. They are common in ADHD trials, and providing evidence about the acceptability of interventions is therefore useful.

Pilot and Feasibility Studies

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and growing problem and a... more Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and growing problem and a leading cause of child referrals to Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS). It is a drain on resources across nationally funded support agencies and associated with negative outcomes such as early criminality, school disruption and antisocial behaviour. Mainstream interventions (pharmacological and behavioural) demonstrate effectiveness whilst implemented, but are costly, often have unwanted side effects and do not appear to be affecting long-term outcomes. Development of a robust evidence base for the effectiveness of current and novel interventions and their impact over the long term is required. The aim of the Sheffield Treatments for ADHD Research (STAR) project is to facilitate a rigorous evidence base in order to provide information about the comparative (cost) effectiveness and acceptability of multiple interventions to key stakeholders. Methods: The Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design was used to build a cohort of children with a diagnosis of ADHD and conduct a three-armed pilot trial of the clinical and cost effectiveness of two novel interventions: (a) treatment by nutritional therapists and (b) treatment by homoeopaths, compared to (c) treatment as usual. Participants are recruited to the STAR long-term observational cohort, and their outcomes of interest (ADHD symptoms, health-related quality of life, school disruption, resource use and criminality) are measured every 6 months by carers and (blinded) teachers. Two promising interventions were identified for the first randomised controlled trial embedded in the cohort. A random selection of eligible participants is offered treatments (a) and (b). The outcomes of those offered treatment are compared to those not offered treatment using intention to treat (ITT) analysis. The feasibility of recruiting to the cohort and the trial, delivering the interventions, the effectiveness of the interventions and the appropriateness, sensitivity and collectability of outcomes is trialled.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine

European Journal of Integrative Medicine

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2021

Background and purpose COVID-19 is a novel viral disease causing worldwide pandemia. The aim of t... more Background and purpose COVID-19 is a novel viral disease causing worldwide pandemia. The aim of this study was describe the effect of adjunctive individualized homeopathic treatment delivered to hospitalized patients with confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patient presentation Thirteen patients with COVID-19 were admitted. Mean age was 73.4 ± 15.0 (SD) years. Twelve (92.3%) were speedily discharged without relevant sequelae after 14.4 ± 8.9 days. A single patient admitted in an advanced stage of septic disease died in hospital. A time-dependent improvement of relevant clinical symptoms was observed in the 12 surviving patients. Six (46.2%) were critically ill and treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Mean stay at the ICU of the 5 surviving patients was 18.8 ± 6.8 days. In six patients (46.2%) gastrointestinal disorders accompanied COVID-19. Conclusion The observations suggest that adjunctive homeopathic treatment may be helpful to treat patients with confirmed COVID-19 ...

This written submission by the joint research consultants of the Society of Homeopaths (referred ... more This written submission by the joint research consultants of the Society of Homeopaths (referred to as ‘the Society’ from here on) aims to provide evidence-based suggestions for the role homeopathy might play in the effective treatment, management and control of infectious diseases in order to support the UK Government’s 5 year strategy for the stewarding and conservation of existing antimicrobial treatments.

European Journal of Pediatrics, 2019

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition associated with considera... more Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition associated with considerable costs. The long-term effectiveness and acceptability of treatments to improve outcomes remains in doubt. Long-term trials are needed comparing interventions with standard care and each other. The Sheffield Treatments for ADHD Research (STAR) project used the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) approach. A cohort of children with ADHD was recruited and outcomes collected from carers and teachers. A random selection was offered treatment by homoeopaths (hom) or nutritional therapists (NT). Their outcomes (Conners Global ADHD Index) were compared with those not offered interventions. The feasibility of the methods and interventions was assessed. The TwiCs approach was feasible with modifications. 144 participants were recruited to the cohort, 83 offered treatment, 72 accepted, and 50 attended 1+ appointments. Results according to carers assessments at 6 months were as follows:

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016

Abstract Introduction Homeopathy is a system of therapeutics based on the Law of Similars where ‘... more Abstract Introduction Homeopathy is a system of therapeutics based on the Law of Similars where ‘like cures like’, using highly diluted substances that cause, in healthy persons, symptoms like those to be treated. Patients are prescribed for on an individual rather than diagnosis specific basis. This case report describes the progress of two siblings with multiple diagnoses (including ADHD), on multiple medications, receiving homeopathic treatment during one year. Multi-morbidity is a growing problem. Separate medicines are prescribed for each complaint resulting in polypharmacy, which is associated with increased incidence of adverse drug reactions. Methods The siblings received a variety of individualised homeopathic medicines, prescribed according to classical, clinical and isopathic methodologies. DSMIV ADHD total scores were measured every 4 months; and self-selected symptoms were measured using ‘Measure Your Own Medical Outcome Profile’ (MYMOP) during the 6 weekly consultations. Results Before treatment Sibling 1’s DSMIV total T score was 90+ (highest possible), MYMOP score was 5.25. Sibling 2’s DMSM total T score was 86, MYMOP score was 5.25. The siblings were on 8 medications each. After one year Sibling 1’s DSMIV total T score was 50 (normal range), MYMOP score 0.25. Sibling 2’s DSMIV total T score was 53, MYMOP score 0.00. Sibling 1 was not taking any conventional medications and sibling 2 was taking one medication. Conclusion Treatment by a homeopath employing a variety of homeopathic methodologies and medicines over 1 year was associated with improvements in ADHD status, patient generated outcomes, parent reported pathology and reduction in conventional medication. No causal conclusions on treatment efficacy can be derived, nor the effects of homeopathic medicines separated out from the reduction in conventional medicines. More systematic research is warranted to tease out these effects, and should document treatment by homeopaths as experienced in clinical practice to explore therapeutic potential.

Homeopathy, 2017

Aim: To systematically review surveys of 12-month prevalence of homeopathy use by the general pop... more Aim: To systematically review surveys of 12-month prevalence of homeopathy use by the general population worldwide. Methods: Studies were identified via database searches to October 2015. Study quality was assessed using a six-item tool. All estimates were in the context of a survey which also reported prevalence of any complementary and alternative medicine use. Results: A total of 36 surveys were included. Of these, 67% met four of six quality criteria.Twelve-month prevalence of treatment by a homeopath was reported in 24 surveys of adults (median 1.5%, range 0.2–8.2%). Estimates for children were similar to those for adults. Rates in the USA, UK, Australia and Canada all ranged from 0.2% to 2.9% and remained stable over the years surveyed (1986–2012).Twelve-month prevalence of all use of homeopathy (purchase of over-the-counter homeopathic medicines and treatment by a homeopath) was reported in 10 surveys of adults (median 3.9%, range 0.7–9.8%) while a further 11 surveys which di...

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2015

Introduction: ADHD is a common and growing problem which manifests and is diagnosed via a cluster... more Introduction: ADHD is a common and growing problem which manifests and is diagnosed via a cluster of behaviours such as inability to regulate emotions or manage motivational delay and problems with executive functioning. It frequently accompanies autism spectrum disorders and dyslexia. Homoeopathy is a system of therapeutics based on the Law of Similars where 'like cures like'. Conditions are treated by highly diluted substances that cause, in healthy persons, symptoms like those of the condition to be treated. The aim of this case report is to describe the homoeopathic treatment and progress of one 16 year old youth with diagnoses of ADHD, Asperger's syndrome and dyslexia subjected to in-utero cannabis exposure. Methods: The youth received individualised homoeopathic medicines and additional ultra-molecular dilutions of cannabis. Outcome was measured using the parent completed Conner's Parent Rating Scale-Revised-Long version (CPRS:R-L) every 4 months, with DSMIV total score selected for analysis; and Measure Your Own Medical Outcome Measure (MYMOP) every 6 weeks, completed by parent and patient. Results: At start of treatment the patient's DSMIV total T score was 90+ (highest possible); after 18 months it was 59 (within normal range). MYMOP score at start of treatment was 4.5 and 1.75 after 18 months. Conclusion: Treatment by a homoeopath over 1½ years was associated with improvements in ADHD status and patient generated outcomes. Ultra molecular dilutions of a recreational drug the patient was subjected to in-utero appear to have contributed to improvements. Systematic research with larger numbers would be required to confirm or refute this single case observation.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2014

Introduction: ADHD is a common and growing problem. There are concerns about current treatments a... more Introduction: ADHD is a common and growing problem. There are concerns about current treatments and they are not leading to improved long term outcomes. It is associated with many negative outcomes and a drain on resources across nationally funded support agencies such as education, criminal justice, social work and health care. Any new intervention would need to show clinical and cost effective improvements to these departments and demonstrate improvements in areas of unmet need including: the management of emotion (especially anger); treatment of ADHD in ASD; safety and side effects; and long term effectiveness. Current RCT evidence for homeopathy and ADHD has tested the efficacy of homeopathic medicines prescribed in a variety of unusual or inappropriate ways, but not the effectiveness of the intervention as experienced in real life. Homeopathy is considered to be a complex intervention, but these trials are not following MRC (Medical Research Council) recommendations for complex interventions, there are tensions concerning internal and external validity and information from such trials is not relevant to stakeholders. Methods: A pragmatic RCT, evaluating the comparative clinical and cost effectiveness of treatment by a homeopath, compared to usual care and other interventions is suggested. This design is proposed as being appropriate to answer questions of interest to stakeholders, address internal and external validity issues and provide robust evidence. The cmRCT design will be used. A large cohort of children with a diagnosis of ADHD will first be recruited and their outcomes measured regularly. A random selection of children fulfilling inclusion criteria will subsequently be offered homeopathic treatment for one year each. Their outcomes will be compared with those of eligible children in the cohort not offered treatment. Results: Key elements of the design include: the retention of the totality of homeopathic treatment; comparison with other effective treatments and standard care; sample size of adequate power; random distribution of groups; groups representative of the ADHD population; homeopathic treatment by several homeopaths in several locations; evaluation of clinical and cost effectiveness using measurements reflecting stakeholder requirements; objective outcome measurement; and allowance of sufficient trial time to demonstrate long term effectiveness. Conclusion: This will be the first comparative pragmatic study to be conducted into the effectiveness of treatment by homeopaths for ADHD.

Homeopathy, 2014

A total of 22 experiments were performed between 1991 and 2012, 15 by the initial team and 7 by a... more A total of 22 experiments were performed between 1991 and 2012, 15 by the initial team and 7 by altogether 5 independent researchers. In most of these experiments (the sole exception being two performed and reported by ourselves) a trend was found of T30x-animals being slower than W30x-animals. The differences in the individual subexperiments, each involving 60e100 animals per group, were mostly not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The pooled results of the initial team and those of the independent researchers did show significant differences (p < 0.01 in either case). Pooled T30x values obtained by the initial team were 10.1% smaller than W30x values (100%) (p < 0.01 and d > 0.8), and pooled T30x values from the 5 independent researchers were 12.4% smaller (p < 0.01 and d > 0.8). Analogously, the number of animals entering the juvenile stage with reduced tail was smaller for T30x than for W30x. Conclusion: A metamorphosis hormone diluted beyond Avogadro's limit using a process derived from homoeopathy produced a clear trend of metamorphosis inhibition.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2015

20 consecutively enrolled children age 5e16 with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ... more 20 consecutively enrolled children age 5e16 with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) received treatment by a homeopath (8 consultations and individualized remedies) for one year. Ten subsequently enrolled children received similar time and attention for 4 months. The study explored optimum treatment protocols; the effectiveness, deliverability and acceptability of treatment; and the feasibility of outcome measurement and recruitment. Parents completed Conners' Parent Rating Scale, Revised Long Version (CPRS-R:L) every 4 months, from which DSMIV total scores were extracted; and Measure Your Own Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) every consultation. An interaction between time (baseline/4 months) and group (treatment/non-treatment) was found .756 F (1,28) = 9.06, p = 0.005. The intervention was associated with statistically significant improvements in treated children over the year: CPRS-R:L (t (18) = 4.529, p £ 0.000); MYMOP (t (18) = 6.938, p £ 0.000). Mean DSMIV total t scores decreased at each time point: baseline: 85 (SD 5.1); 4 months 76.2 (SD 10.9); and 12 months 71.5 (SD 12.77). Recruitment of control participants was problematic. Recruitment to treatment was feasible via ADHD support groups, charities, police support agencies and social services, not schools or NHS services. Attending appointments was problematic for some participants, but home visits did not improve uptake. The best venue was a familiar clinic. Some participants took medicines inappropriately, but generally taking homeopathic remedies was acceptable and well implemented. CPRS-R:L (80 items) was problematic for some parents. MYMOP was preferred by parents but not acceptable to stakeholders. In this small consecutive sample the intervention was associated with improvements in criminality, anger and children with a concomitant diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD. Treatment by a homeopath was associated with sustained, increasing improvements and the intervention was acceptable to participants. More methodically rigorous research is warranted. "We recommend that future research in this area uses compara

Objective To identify interventions being used to manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder... more Objective To identify interventions being used to manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the UK. Design A survey within the Sheffield Treatments for ADHD Research project. A convenience sample of participants in the UK who consented to join an observational cohort were asked closed questions about medication, behavioural change programmes and service use, and an open-ended question about what else they used. Setting A broad variety of non-National Health Service, non-treatment seeking settings throughout the UK, including local authority organisations, schools, ADHD and autism spectrum condition support groups and social media. Participants Families of children aged 5–18 with carer reported ADHD and Conners Global Index (CGI) T scores of 55+. Results Responses from 175 families were analysed. The mean age of the children was 10.21 (2.44), and two-thirds (n=114) had additional diagnoses. The majority used medications to manage ADHD (n=120) and had participated in a...

Homeopathy, Feb 1, 2018

Background: There is a need to improve outcomes for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADH... more Background: There is a need to improve outcomes for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is a strain on stakeholder services and at risk of negative outcomes. Information is required about treatments that can achieve improvements in emotional regulation, criminality, school disruption, and ADHD in autism. Trials of individualised homeopathic remedies for ADHD show positive results. Trials of treatment of children with ADHD by a homeopath as experienced in clinical practice can provide useful information about the potential of homeopathic treatment to improve outcomes. Methods: This study used the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design. Participants were recruited to a long-term observational ADHD cohort and their outcomes of interest (ADHD symptoms, quality of life, school disruption, resource use and criminality) measured every 6 months. A random selection was offered treatment by a homeopath (arm 1) or a nutritional therapist (arm 2), while the remainder acted as a virtual treatment as usual (TAU) control arm (arm 3). The effectiveness of the interventions, feasibility of recruiting to the cohort, delivering the interventions, and measuring outcomes were assessed. Results: Assessment of 6-month outcomes will be conducted in March 2017. One hundred and fifty participants were recruited to the cohort between September 2015 and 2016, of whom 124 were eligible for the pilot study. Measurement of outcomes was feasible, although non-return of measures was a feature. Delivery of the interventions face to face and online was feasible and provided flexibility for this population. Conclusion: This pragmatic trial design allows the testing of treatment by homeopaths as experienced in usual practice over the long term. It provides important information to stakeholders about the potential effects of homeopathic treatment. Attrition and non-attendance were features. They are common in ADHD trials, and providing evidence about the acceptability of interventions is therefore useful.

Pilot and Feasibility Studies

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and growing problem and a... more Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and growing problem and a leading cause of child referrals to Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS). It is a drain on resources across nationally funded support agencies and associated with negative outcomes such as early criminality, school disruption and antisocial behaviour. Mainstream interventions (pharmacological and behavioural) demonstrate effectiveness whilst implemented, but are costly, often have unwanted side effects and do not appear to be affecting long-term outcomes. Development of a robust evidence base for the effectiveness of current and novel interventions and their impact over the long term is required. The aim of the Sheffield Treatments for ADHD Research (STAR) project is to facilitate a rigorous evidence base in order to provide information about the comparative (cost) effectiveness and acceptability of multiple interventions to key stakeholders. Methods: The Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design was used to build a cohort of children with a diagnosis of ADHD and conduct a three-armed pilot trial of the clinical and cost effectiveness of two novel interventions: (a) treatment by nutritional therapists and (b) treatment by homoeopaths, compared to (c) treatment as usual. Participants are recruited to the STAR long-term observational cohort, and their outcomes of interest (ADHD symptoms, health-related quality of life, school disruption, resource use and criminality) are measured every 6 months by carers and (blinded) teachers. Two promising interventions were identified for the first randomised controlled trial embedded in the cohort. A random selection of eligible participants is offered treatments (a) and (b). The outcomes of those offered treatment are compared to those not offered treatment using intention to treat (ITT) analysis. The feasibility of recruiting to the cohort and the trial, delivering the interventions, the effectiveness of the interventions and the appropriateness, sensitivity and collectability of outcomes is trialled.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine