ADHD feasibility study
Lead Researcher – Dr Philippa Fibert
What is this project about?
This project was a continuation of the ADHD case series – the next step was a feasibility study consisting of a pilot randomised controlled trial.
The feasibility of using the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design for a controlled trial was explored. Key elements of the trial design that were tested included recruitment of a representative cohort of children with ADHD; random distribution of some in the cohort to receive homeopathic treatment, compared with others in the cohort continuing with usual care; homeopathic treatment undertaken by several homeopaths in different locations; evaluation of clinical outcomes, cost effectiveness and safety using appropriate methods reflecting the requirements of stakeholders.
A second treatment – by a nutritional therapist was also tested to enable comparison with another therapy.
Interestingly, treatment by homeopaths was significantly effective for emotional dysregulation, and treatment by nutritional therapists for restlessness and inattention.
Lead Researcher
Dr Philippa Fibert, BEd (Hons Cantab) BSc MSc
Dr Fibert has a background working with children with special needs – first as a teacher (having studied English and Education at Cambridge University) then as a parent educator. During this time she studied homeopathy and found it to be a treatment method more effective than anything else she had encountered before. This led to her obtaining a BSc in Homeopathy at Thames Valley University and a research MSc at Goldsmiths, University of London (Research Methodology in Psychology). She then undertook a PhD within the School of Health and Related research, Sheffield University. Dr Fibert provides research consultancy for homeopathic bodies such as the Society of Homeopaths, Homeopathy for Health in Africa, and the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, India. She continues in private practice as a homeopath specialising in the treatment of ADHD.
Publications generated by this HRI-funded project
What families in the UK use to manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a survey of resource use Open Access
Fibert P, Relton C.
BMJ Paediatrics Open 2020;4:e000771
Rethinking ADHD intervention trials: feasibility testing of two treatments and a methodology Open Access
Fibert P, Peasgood T, Relton C.
European Journal of Pediatrics 2019; 178(7):983-993
Protocol for the STAR (Sheffield Treatments for ADHD) project: an internal pilot study assessing the feasibility of the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design to test the effectiveness of interventions for children with ADHD Open Access
Fibert P, Relton C, Peasgood T, Daley D.
Pilot and Feasibility Studies 2018;4: 61
A comparative consecutive case series of 20 children with a diagnosis of ADHD receiving homeopathic treatment, compared with 10 children receiving usual care
Fibert P, Relton C, Heirs M, Bowden D.
Homeopathy 2016; 105(2): 194-201
Case report of two siblings with multi-morbidities receiving homeopathic treatment for one year
Fibert P.
International Journal of Integrative Medicine 2016; 8(2)S1:141-145
Case report of a 16 year old youth with diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Asperger’s syndrome and dyslexia receiving homoeopathic and tautopathic treatment
Fibert P.
International Journal of Integrative Medicine 2015; 7(3): 312-317
