THERAPY OF NEUROTIC MANIFESTATIONS IN CHILDREN: SEARCH FOR ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF TREATMENT

Perinatal damage to the nervous system is the most common pathology in infants and is characterized by not only a broad syndromic polymorphism of clinical manifestations, but also by high frequency of remote functional and organic neurological effects. The aim of the study was comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of Homeostres homeopathic remedy and Phenibut pharmacological drug in the treatment of neurological disorders in children. Totally 87 children with neurotic disorders between the ages of 4 and 12 years were under the supervision, who were randomly assigned to Homeostres (n=43) and Phenibut (n=44) groups. Homeostres was administered in a dose of 2 tablets three times a day for 14 days, and Phenibut from 0.25 to 0.75 g/day, course of treatment - 2 weeks. The study included a clinical evaluation of neurological and somatic status, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, electroencephalography, transcranial Doppler of the brain blood vessels, assessment of the emotional and psychological state (Luscher test and Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale from 8 years), and examinations of pediatrician, ophthalmologist, speech therapist and psychologist. The treatment efficacy was evaluated 2 weeks after the end of the therapy. Statistical processing of the results of the study was performed using Statistica 22.0 software package (Statsoft Inc., USA). The therapy targeted at reduction of neurotic conditions resulted in the following positive changes in the children of the first group: disappearance of anxiety and phobias (46.5%), normalization of sleep (51.5%), improvement of communication skills (23.0%) and the emotional sphere (32.0%). Positive dynamics was noted in 23.0% of the childr en in somatic status, namely reduction of gastrointestinal tract dysfunction. No patient was reported to have any adverse reactions while taking Homeostres. The children who took Phenibut showed improved motivation (18.5%) and communication skills (20.5%). Phobias and anxiety disappeared in 38.5% of patients, and 53.0% of the children had improvement of sleep. However, 6.8% of the patients had allergic skin reactions and 9.1% - abdominal symptoms. Thus, taking into account the efficacy and safety of Homeostres in the treatment of emotional and neurotic disorders, it can be widely recommended for the use in pediatric practice.