Question 1

Is my child's inability to focus really ADHD, or just their personality?

Accepted Answer

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by dysregulation of dopamine and norepinephrine — it is distinct from a personality trait.

Question 2

What causes ADHD? Is it genetic?

Accepted Answer

Genetic factors account for 70–80% of ADHD cases, with dopamine receptor gene variants being the primary cause.

Question 3

Does Korean medicine treatment actually work for ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture and herbal medicine have shown benefit in improving concentration and impulsivity, and are used as adjunct or standalone treatment.

Question 4

Are there foods my child with ADHD should avoid?

Accepted Answer

Artificial dyes, sugar, and caffeine may worsen hyperactivity and are best limited for children with ADHD.

Question 5

Does lack of sleep make ADHD symptoms worse?

Accepted Answer

Sleep deprivation impairs frontal lobe function and significantly worsens inattention and impulsivity.

Question 6

Can my child take herbal medicine alongside ADHD medication like Ritalin?

Accepted Answer

Concurrent use of methylphenidate and herbal medicine is generally feasible, but you must disclose all medications to your prescribing practitioner.

Question 7

Does ADHD go away naturally as a child grows up?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 50% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood, making early treatment and management important.

Question 8

How long does Korean medicine treatment for ADHD take before results are seen?

Accepted Answer

Three months is typically considered the first treatment unit, with 6–12 months of maintenance treatment recommended depending on the degree of improvement.

Question 9

How can I help my child with ADHD at home?

Accepted Answer

A consistent daily routine, breaking tasks into short segments, and positive reinforcement are the most effective home supports for children with ADHD.

Question 10

I heard exercise helps with ADHD — what type is best?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic exercise naturally releases dopamine and alleviates ADHD symptoms; 30 or more minutes of regular daily exercise is recommended.

Question 11

How often do we need to visit Dongjedang for ADHD treatment?

Accepted Answer

Every two weeks for the first month, then adjusted to monthly visits once symptoms are stable.

Question 12

I've heard ADHD medication (Ritalin) is bad for the heart — is that true?

Accepted Answer

For most children without underlying cardiovascular disease it is safe, but cardiac evaluation is essential before use if there are any heart abnormalities.

Question 13

Is it safe to give herbal medicine to young children?

Accepted Answer

Herbal medicine with dosages adjusted to suit a child's weight and constitution can be taken safely, and there are almost no reports of toxicity from long-term use.

Question 14

In what order is ADHD treatment conducted?

Accepted Answer

The process proceeds in the following order: Diagnosis and Differentiation → Prescription to strengthen the Heart, Spleen, and Kidney → Concurrent Acupuncture Treatment → Re-evaluation after 3 months.

Question 15

My child goes to school — will treatment interfere with school life?

Accepted Answer

Korean medicine treatment has no drowsiness or appetite-suppressing side effects, making it easy to combine with school life.

Question 16

Can ADHD be completely cured?

Accepted Answer

Rather than a complete cure, the realistic goal for ADHD is symptom management and functional improvement — in many cases, symptoms improve to a level where daily life is not significantly affected.

Question 17

I have ADHD and I think I also have anxiety. Can both be treated together?

Accepted Answer

ADHD and anxiety disorder co-occur in 30–50% of cases, and Korean medicine treatment can address both conditions together.

Question 18

I am an adult with ADHD and I also suffer from significant depression. How should I approach this?

Accepted Answer

Depression and anxiety are highly comorbid with adult ADHD, and integrated treatment addressing both conditions simultaneously is needed.

Question 19

My child suddenly started blinking repeatedly and shrugging their shoulders — could this be a tic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Tic disorder is a condition in which muscles move or sounds are produced repeatedly, involuntarily, and independent of the person's will. It is divided into motor tics such as eye blinking and shoulder shrugging, and vocal tics such as sniffling, and is most commonly seen in school-age children.

Question 20

Why do tics occur? What is actually happening in the brain?

Accepted Answer

The core mechanism is that dopamine signaling in the brain's basal ganglia becomes overactivated, weakening motor inhibition. Genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors such as stress and infections triggers the symptoms.

Question 21

I was prescribed Haloperidol at the hospital, but I'm worried about the side effects. Can my tics decrease with traditional Korean medicine treatment alone?

Accepted Answer

Korean traditional medicine can be expected to be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of tics and extending the interval between recurrences. It can show significant improvement on its own in mild to moderate cases and serves as a complementary or alternative option when there are concerns about drug side effects.

Question 22

Are there specific foods that worsen tics? I wonder whether the snacks and beverages my child loves are having an effect.

Accepted Answer

Foods high in additives such as caffeine, artificial colorings, artificial sweeteners, and MSG can increase nervous system excitability and worsen tics. Conversely, a diet centered on magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates supports neurological stability.

Question 23

We live in Dong-gu, Incheon, and my child's tics seem to get much worse when playing video games or watching YouTube.

Accepted Answer

Screen stimulation such as games and videos is a representative environmental trigger for tics because it strongly activates the brain's dopamine system. Limiting screen time to one to two hours per day and ensuring outdoor activity and regular sleep should be the first priority.

Question 24

My child is taking methylphenidate (Concerta) for ADHD. Is it okay to take herbal medicine at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Methylphenidate improves concentration by inhibiting the reabsorption of dopamine and norepinephrine, but it can induce or worsen tics. When combining it with herbal medicine, you must provide information regarding your current medication; safe treatment is possible after reviewing the individual prescription.

Question 25

My child is in second grade and tics have just started. Will they go away naturally as they grow older?

Accepted Answer

Tic disorder most often improves or resolves as the child passes through puberty. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of children see symptoms greatly reduced or disappear as they enter adulthood, and early appropriate management leads to a better prognosis.

Question 26

I still have tics now as an adult — is treatment still effective in adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Treatment is effective for adult tics as well. Rather than complete resolution, realistic goals are set around reducing frequency and intensity, improving self-awareness, and decreasing social discomfort. Combining behavioral intervention (CBIT) with Korean medicine treatment leads to meaningful improvements in quality of life.

Question 27

I've heard that insufficient sleep worsens tics — how many hours should my child sleep, and what is the best way to get them to sleep?

Accepted Answer

School-age children are recommended 9 to 11 hours and adolescents 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Maintaining consistent bedtime and wake-up times, and stopping screen use one hour before bed, directly helps with tic management.

Question 28

Is exercise helpful for a child with tics? I'd like to know which types of exercise are best.

Accepted Answer

Regular aerobic exercise improves the brain's dopamine balance and lowers stress hormones, making it beneficial for tic management. Rhythmic full-body exercises such as swimming, cycling, and running are particularly effective.

Question 29

It is difficult to visit often because of my child's school schedule — how frequently should Korean medicine treatment be received?

Accepted Answer

In the initial phase, twice-weekly intensive treatment produces results more quickly. If the school schedule makes this difficult, starting with once weekly and filling the gaps between visits with herbal decoctions is an adjustable option. Treatment response is evaluated every three months.

Question 30

Is acupuncture safe for children? If my child cries and refuses, should I force them to go through with it?

Accepted Answer

Pediatric acupuncture is performed safely with thinner needles and shorter retention times than in adults. If a child strongly refuses, treatment begins with non-needle tapping, magnet needles, or auricular acupressure, gradually building the child's tolerance through a step-by-step approach.

Question 31

I am concerned that herbal medicine might place a burden on a growing child's liver.

Accepted Answer

The prescriptions used at Dongjedang are tailored to children by adjusting the dosage and ingredients. The safety of pediatric herbal medicine treatment is backed by thousands of years of clinical experience and modern toxicology research, and we always verify the child's weight, constitution, and underlying conditions before prescribing.

Question 32

How does the process of receiving tic treatment at a Korean medicine clinic unfold? I'm curious about what happens during the very first visit.

Accepted Answer

At the first consultation, the practitioner assesses constitution, Liver-Gallbladder condition, and stress level, and records tic type and frequency. The following one to two months constitute an intensive treatment phase, during which acupuncture and herbal decoctions are used to regulate Liver Wind and Heart-Gallbladder Deficiency.

Question 33

After three months of treatment, my child's tics have reduced greatly — how long should we continue treatment?

Accepted Answer

Once tics have decreased by 50 percent or more, treatment transitions to a maintenance phase with reduced visit frequency and intermittent use of herbal decoctions. Short intensive treatment periods are repeated before and after stressful events such as exams and school transitions to manage recurrence.

Question 34

Honestly, can tics completely disappear with Korean medicine treatment? How should I set my expectations?

Accepted Answer

Complete resolution does occur in some cases of mild-to-moderate tics, but the realistic goal is to reduce frequency and intensity to a level that does not interfere with daily life. It is more accurate to understand treatment as accelerating the natural course in which most tics decrease as the child grows.

Question 35

Why do tic disorder, ADHD, and OCD often occur together?

Accepted Answer

All three conditions share dysfunction in the basal ganglia–thalamus–prefrontal cortex circuit. Understanding this overlap explains why treating only tics is not enough for overall improvement.

Question 36

How should the psychological impact of tics on a child be addressed?

Accepted Answer

Children with tics often experience anxiety, shame, and social withdrawal due to peers reactions. Addressing both the tic symptoms and their psychological effects simultaneously is important to break the cycle.

Question 37

Why does obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) develop?

Accepted Answer

Dysregulation of serotonin and hyperactivity of the orbitofrontal-basal ganglia circuit are the primary causes. Genetics, stress, and environmental factors all interact.

Question 38

What is the difference between obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive thoughts are unwanted, repetitive thoughts; compulsive behaviors are repetitive actions performed to relieve the anxiety caused by those thoughts. The two form a vicious cycle.

Question 39

Do symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder actually decrease with traditional Korean medicine treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments that correct the constitution of Heart-Spleen Yang Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation help alleviate the intensity of anxiety and the frequency of obsessive-compulsive thoughts.

Question 40

What is the most effective treatment for OCD?

Accepted Answer

The combination of SSRI medication and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)-based cognitive behavioral therapy is the first-line standard of care. Korean medicine serves as a complementary constitutional correction.

Question 41

Are there foods or lifestyle habits that worsen OCD?

Accepted Answer

Caffeine and high-glycemic foods increase anxiety, while sleep deprivation and overwork sensitize the obsessive circuit. Regular meals and adequate sleep are foundational.

Question 42

Do stress or lack of sleep make obsessive-compulsive disorder worse?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sleep deprivation and chronic stress impair the regulatory ability of the frontal lobe, thereby lowering the inhibition of obsessive thoughts.

Question 43

Is it safe to take SSRI antidepressants and herbal medicine together?

Accepted Answer

Concurrent use is generally possible, but avoid overlap between SSRIs and serotonin-activating herbs, and maintain at least a 2-hour gap between doses. Always inform your Korean medicine practitioner of all medications you are taking.

Question 44

Is obsessive-compulsive disorder a disease that can be completely cured, or does it require lifelong management?

Accepted Answer

Complete remission is possible, but due to the high relapse rate, most patients require long-term management. The earlier the treatment begins, the better the prognosis.

Question 45

Will OCD get worse if left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Without treatment, the obsessive thought-compulsion circuit becomes reinforced, consuming progressively more time and energy. It can lead to depression and social isolation.

Question 46

Are there ways to reduce compulsive behaviors on your own?

Accepted Answer

A self-directed version of ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) — practicing delaying compulsive acts by 15 minutes — can be helpful. However, professional guidance is necessary for severe cases.

Question 47

Should family members keep accommodating the patient's compulsive behaviors?

Accepted Answer

No. Family accommodation — going along with compulsive rituals — provides short-term reassurance but reinforces OCD over time. A consistently non-accommodating stance supports treatment.

Question 48

How do I make an appointment at Dongjedang for OCD treatment, and how often do I need to visit?

Accepted Answer

After booking an initial appointment, the first consultation assesses symptom severity and whether psychiatric collaboration is needed. Typically, visits are 1–2 times per week for the first 4 weeks, then biweekly thereafter.

Question 49

Can herbal medicine cause side effects such as drowsiness or digestive discomfort?

Accepted Answer

Spirit-calming herbal formulas may cause drowsiness in a small number of patients. For those with a sensitive digestive system, digestive-supporting herbs are included in the prescription to minimize stomach discomfort.

Question 50

Is Korean medicine treatment for OCD safe for pregnant women and adolescents?

Accepted Answer

For pregnant women, strongly sedating herbs are restricted; for adolescents, formulas are designed to avoid any impact on growth. In all cases, age and condition must be disclosed at the first visit.

Question 51

In what order is the Korean medicine treatment conducted?

Accepted Answer

The process proceeds in the following order: Initial consultation to determine constitution → Stage 1: Calming the Mind and Soothing the Liver (4 weeks) → Stage 2: Strengthening the Spleen and Replenishing the Heart (8 weeks) → Stage 3: Maintenance Herbal Medicine.

Question 52

Can I stop treatment once my symptoms improve?

Accepted Answer

Discontinuing treatment arbitrarily after symptom improvement carries a high risk of relapse. Both Korean medicine and Western medicine require a maintenance treatment period before gradually tapering.

Question 53

Can OCD be managed at a Korean medicine clinic alone, or is psychiatric treatment essential?

Accepted Answer

For mild or early-stage cases, Korean medicine management alone is possible. For moderate or more severe cases, psychiatric collaboration is strongly recommended. The two treatments are complementary.

Question 54

I’ve heard that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression often occur together. Can I receive treatment for both at Dongjedang?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Approximately 50–60% of patients with OCD also suffer from depression. At Dongjedang, we address both symptoms simultaneously by treating both heart-spleen deficiency and liver qi stagnation together.

Question 55

Why does bipolar disorder develop? Is it a personality issue or a brain problem?

Accepted Answer

It is not a personality issue — it is a biological condition arising from imbalances in the brain's mood-regulation circuits and neurotransmitters. Genetic predisposition, stress, and disrupted sleep patterns all interact to trigger episodes.

Question 56

I heard Bipolar I and Bipolar II are different — how do they differ, and does treatment change?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar I is defined by full manic episodes (severe enough to require hospitalization), while Bipolar II features hypomanic episodes (less severe) alternating with major depressive episodes. The intensity differs significantly, but the core treatment principle with mood stabilizers is the same.

Question 57

I am already taking psychiatric medication — is there any real difference from adding Korean medicine treatment?

Accepted Answer

While mood stabilizers work to prevent episodes, Korean medicine treatment complements residual symptoms such as sleep quality, energy recovery, and anxiety reduction. It helps improve quality of life while maintaining conventional medication.

Question 58

Can I just take herbal medicine instead? The side effects of mood stabilizers are really hard to bear and I want to stop.

Accepted Answer

Stopping mood stabilizers on your own is extremely dangerous. Abruptly discontinuing lithium or valproate can trigger rebound mania, so you must consult your prescribing psychiatrist first. Korean medicine can be used alongside to help manage side effects.

Question 59

Are there foods or habits that trigger manic or depressive episodes? Is even one drink of alcohol okay?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol destabilizes neurological excitation and disrupts lithium levels, increasing the risk of episodes, so complete abstinence is the standard. Excessive caffeine, irregular meals, and disrupted sleep are also important episode triggers.

Question 60

I heard that pulling an all-nighter or jet lag from overseas travel can bring on mania — is that true?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sleep deprivation is one of the most powerful triggers of manic episodes. Even one or two nights of insufficient sleep can be enough to initiate a manic episode, making sleep rhythm maintenance as important as medication.

Question 61

I am taking lithium — is it safe to take herbal medicine at the same time? I am worried it might affect my lithium levels.

Accepted Answer

Lithium has a very narrow therapeutic range, so caution is essential. Please share your full medication list before we prescribe herbal medicine, so we can avoid any ingredients that may affect lithium excretion and ensure safe treatment.

Question 62

I have been on mood stabilizers for a long time and want to reduce the dose — can combining Korean medicine treatment eventually help lower it?

Accepted Answer

It is possible, but must be led by your prescribing physician. The safe approach is to first confirm stability of sleep, anxiety, and residual symptoms through Korean medicine treatment, then allow the psychiatrist to evaluate whether dose reduction is appropriate.

Question 63

Does bipolar disorder mean taking medication for life? Is a full recovery possible?

Accepted Answer

The goal is long-term management rather than a cure. Many people who consistently take mood stabilizers and manage their sleep and stress live stably without episodes for years.

Question 64

How can I tell when a manic episode is coming? Is there a way to catch it early?

Accepted Answer

Early warning signs include sleeping less but not feeling tired, speaking faster, overflowing with energy, and a rush of plans and ideas. When these signals appear, contact your doctor immediately and deliberately increase your sleep time.

Neuro-Psychological Care for Mental Calm

Conditions

Neuro-Psychological Care for Mental Calm is not just a simple symptom