Safer Medicines for Childhood Anxiety

Today, more than 2.5 million American children are given these powerful drugs, and the side effects are so significant that they have been linked to suicide. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires special warning information on the labels of some of these medications.

A fact not generally known or appreciated by many parents is that most drugs are rarely tested on children. Consequently, the recommended doses for kids are only estimates based on crude determinants such as body weight. Because children tend to metabolize drugs differently than adults, the rudimentary ways that doctors prescribe these powerful medicines for your child represent a public health hazard.

The Homeopathic Alternative

The Menninger Clinic is world renowned as one of the leading mental health centers for research and treatment. Its founder, Charles Frederick Menninger, MD, was originally a homeopathic physician. Also the head of his local homeopathic medical society, he was so impressed with his results from homeopathic medicines that he once said, “Homeopathy is wholly capable of satisfying the therapeutic demands of this age better than any other system or school of medicine.”

Given the safety of homeopathic medicines, it is remarkable that the majority of psychiatrists and psychologists do not refer patients to homeopaths prior to prescribing powerful and potentially harmful conventional medicines, especially for children.

The homeopathic approach to treating a child with an anxiety syndrome is one that requires individualized treatment. When a child has either frequent or intense anxiety episodes, it is best to seek professional homeopathic help. But if your child simply has an occasional anxious experience, consider one of the following homeopathic medicines as a first choice of treatment. You may be impressed and surprised at how fast it acts in providing relief. (It’s important to note that all of the medicines listed below will be as helpful for you as they are for your child, if or when you have similar symptoms.)

Ignatia (St. Ignatius bean) is the leading homeopathic remedy for acute stages of anxiety and depression, especially after the death of a loved one or for simple homesickness when a child moves to a new location or goes on vacation. Children who need this remedy tend to hold back their emotions, but ultimately their feelings surface, resulting in uncontrollable sobbing or intermittent crying and laughing. These children are often unable to catch their breath, a symptom manifesting in frequent sighing or a lump in the throat.

Aconitum (monkshood) is a useful remedy for acute anxiety resulting from sudden stress, such as a car accident or natural disaster. Aconitum is particularly helpful for those states of shock in which children think (or know) that they are severely injured, becoming panicky as a result. Aconitum not only has the capacity to calm, but it also helps to begin a healing process, thereby reducing the severity of the injury. This remedy is also beneficial for anxiety or panic after an earthquake, tornado, fire, or other disruptive act of nature.

Gelsemium (yellow jessamine) is useful for performance anxiety, whether one is about to perform or simply take an exam. It is particularly indicated when a child feels unable to face any challenge (“I can’t cope,” “I give up”), or feels paralyzed from anticipation or fear. Physically, these children tend to experience weakness and may even tremble. This remedy is also a leading medicine for influenza, and those who need it may suffer from a state of anxiety and anticipation that mimics a viral infection (weakness, sleepiness, mental dullness, and apathy).

Argentum nitricum (silver nitrate) is also beneficial for performance anxiety. The greatest fear felt by both adults and children occurs when we don’t know what will happen. We become restless and impulsive and may do rash things. Physically, we tend to experience diarrhea or flatulence. We may also crave sweet foods.

Staphysagria (stavesacre, an herb) is usually indicated during or after an abusive relationship, especially when humiliation is part of the abuse, resulting in anger and indignation. (This may be the experience of a child who is bullied in school, for example.) Not unlike many adults, children who benefit from this remedy may have first held back their emotions, only to explode later in rage. The individual may tremble, throw things, lose her voice, or suffer from various physical ailments, especially headaches, indigestion, urinary problems, or skin disorders.

Kali phosphoricum (phosphate of potassium) is one of homeopathy’s great “nerve” remedies. It is helpful for those who may require more nerve or more “backbone.” Children who need this remedy experience various physical ailments due to worry or overexcitement, especially if they interpret even minor involvements as major tasks. The child may be nervous, easily startled, frightened, and stressed.

DOSE: Use the 6th, 12th, or 30th potency. If you are confident about the selection of a remedy, a higher potency may be used. The homeopathic remedy can be administered every two hours during intense symptoms and every four hours for mild symptoms. If relief is not observed after a night’s rest, consider another remedy. Remember, homeopathic medicines are not vitamins; do not give them to your children daily.