Homeopathic Treatment For Passive-aggressive Behavior

When viewed from a psychological perspective, aggressive behavior is usually first diagnosed in childhood. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, aggressive or defiant behavior exists when a child becomes "belligerent, destructive, threatening, physically cruel, deceitful, disobedient or dishonest." Passive-aggressive acts include these examples, though they are conducted in a more obscure manner. Given the difficulties that conduct disorders can cause within families and the community, scientists are interested in all sorts of treatments that may help.

What is a Homeopathic Treatment?

The term homeopathy was first coined by a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700s. Hahnemann became displeased with medical practices of his time and searched for more holistic ways to treat illnesses of all types. In his book "Organon of Medicine: Homeopathy," first published over 100 years ago, the physician speaks about treating the mind and body. He explains that many diseases are improperly treated by traditional medication, and he wants to explore "the healing art itself" to best serve the human body, which he calls a "spiritual, corporal organism." Based on Hahnemann's use of the term homeopathy, several alternative treatments may help with aggressive behavior.

Nutrition and Aggression

In 2011, researchers at Yale University examined children enrolled in the Head Start program in terms of nutrition. Head Start offers educational services to children who have behavioral or developmental issues. The 2011 study compared nutritional intake of these children to age-matched non-Head Start children. The results, which were published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," revealed that Head Start children were lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, as well as substances important for development such as fat, riboflavin and calcium. As such, there may be a link between increasing certain vitamins and nutritional supplements and improving a wide variety of childhood behavior.

Herbs and Mental Health

Often underlying aggression, especially in children, are other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety that can be difficult to treat. In 2011, researchers in India used animal studies to examine the mood-enhancing abilities of a medicinal herb called Ocimum Sanctum, which is a leaf extract. Their study was published in the "Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology" and showed that, in mice, this plant lowered depression and anxiety. This study shows promise that homeopathic remedies -- which cover various herbs and medicinal plants in addition to basic nutrition -- may help mood and, therefore, its associated behaviors such as aggression.

Behavioral Approaches

Research remains vague regarding which homeopathic treatments ease aggression, but behavioral treatments and social support have scientific backing as viable options. A study conducted at Harvard University in 2010 looked at the factors related to aggressive behavior in children in Sierra Leone impacted by the violence there. Researchers found that children with pro-social examples of behavior, as well as social support and community involvement, showed less post-conflict aggression. Homeopathy should include all types of nontraditional medicine, including behavioral interventions.