Scientists question research on homeopathic treatment for ADHD

It's not often that a clinical trial at a Canadian university comes under so much scrutiny... especially when it's yet to truly get under way. But a group of 90 distinguished scientists, including two Nobel Laureates, have gone to the unusual length of publishing an open letter, stating their concerns over just one such trial, at the University of Toronto. It's all because the study involves homeopathy ... that's the alternative medical care approach that purports to treat all sorts of ailments with heavily diluted remedies.

In this case, the trial looks at using homeopathy as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, of ADHD.

But those concerned scientists say that there's no place for studying homeopathic cures at universities.They're being headed up by Joe Schwarcz, who is Director of the McGill University's Office for Science and Society, and a professor of Chemistry.

And Heather Boon is leading this clinical study into homeopathic treatment for ADHD. She is a pharmacist and a professor in the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. 

What do you think? Should universities be researching homeopathic treatments?

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This segment was produced by The Current's Liz Hoath. 

RELATED LINKS

♦ Why would anyone think a homeopathic remedy would help with ADHD? - By Joe Schwarcz, The Montreal Gazette

♦ Why would anyone think a rigorous clinical trial is a bad idea? - By Heather Boon, The Montreal Gazette