by Tara Peyman, ND

Increasingly, young children are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Most of these children do not have symptoms that are consistent with adult bipolar symptoms (distinct depressive episodes alternating with manic episodes), but rather they have "rages" or temper tantrums. Uncontrolled mood swings with violent behavior is typical in these cases. In the upcoming years, most of these children will most likely be diagnosed with Temper Dysregulation Disorder with Dysphoria, a new diagnosis that is actually much more specific and accurate for this type of psychological disorder. This diagnosis is one of the updates that are being made to the fifth edition of the diagnostic manual for psychiatric conditions which will be published in the next few years.

Until then, children displaying this behavior will continue to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and prescribed anti-psychotic medications that have not been extensively studied in children.

There is a safe and natural alternative to these medications. It is called homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathy is a natural form of medicine that works with the body to restore balance and health. There are thousands of different homeopathic remedies, and each one is made from its own natural source, such as a plant or mineral. Each one of these homeopathic remedies can be used to treat a specific set of symptoms, and the prescription is individualized to every case. So, each child who presents with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder may receive a different homeopathic remedy.

Homeopathic medicine is very safe, and because it works with the body rather than trying to suppress the symptoms, it does not cause side effects. The medicine acts as a reminder to the body to bring things into balance. It does not add anything to the system or take anything away; it modulates things so that everything simply works better.

Usually homeopathic remedies come in the form of small sublingual pills that taste sweet, and are typically taken daily. Some people only need a dose as needed when symptoms arise. Over time, the homeopathic medicine may be changed and adjusted based on the child's response, and also based on any new symptoms that may come up.

Homeopathic medicine works very well for a wide variety of conditions, and for people of all ages. It can be used safely during pregnancy and nursing, and even for infants with colic or teething pain, for example. Most people feel better within a few days to a few weeks of taking the correct homeopathic medicine. Often in children or adults with bipolar disorder or other anxiety disorders, the effects of the homeopathic medicine can be noticed within hours. The amount of time needed to fully recover and reach a state of remission will depend on several factors, including the amount of time the person has been sick, so each case is unique. Because homeopathy can actually help to restore real balance, the patient may be able to use this type of medicine for a period of time, and then not need to take anything, unless some difficult stress brings on new symptoms.

There are no interactions with prescription medications and homeopathy, so we can start a patient on a homeopathic protocol while he or she is still taking medications, and then taper the prescriptions down safely over time. The goal with this treatment is to help improve overall health and stability, so that the person can live their life to the fullest.



Dr. Tara Peyman is a board-licensed naturopathic physician with an expertise in treating bipolar disorder and depression with homeopathic medicine. She has also developed natural treatment programs for diabetes and smoking cessation. Call for your comprehensive initial visit or a complimentary 15 minute phone consult: Tempe, Arizona: (480) 456-0402 or Mesa, Arizona: (480) 985-0000. Visit www.DrTaraPeyman.com for more information.