|
 
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| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2013 | Volume
: 7
| Issue : 3 | Page : 116-125 |
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Homoeopathic management in depressive episodes: A prospective, unicentric, non-comparative, open-label observational study
Praveen Oberai1, Indira Balachandran2, KR Janardhanan Nair2, Anita Sharma1, VP Singh1, Vikram Singh3, Chaturbhuja Nayak4
1 Scientist-4, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, India
2 Scientist-4, Central Research Institute (H), Kottayam, Kerala, India
3 Deputy Director (H), Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, India
4 Former Director General, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, India
| Date of Submission | 17-Apr-2013 |
| Date of Acceptance | 26-Aug-2013 |
| Date of Web Publication | 30-Sep-2013 |
Correspondence Address:
Praveen Oberai
Scientist-4, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi
India
 Source of Support: Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0974-7168.119117
Objective: To evaluate the role of homoeopathic medicines in the management of depressive episodes.
Material and Methods: A prospective, non-comparative, open-label observational study was carried out from October 2005 to September 2010, by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) (India), at - the Central Research Institute CRI (H), Kottayam. Patients who were 20-60 years of age, suffering from mood disorders were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Homoeopathic medicines were prescribed in 30, 200 and 1M potencies, after repertorising the symptoms and signs and final consultation with the Materia Medica. The internationally accepted scales - Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) - were used to assess the symptoms at each visit and measure the outcome. The follow up of 12 months included six months of observation period. Analysis was done as per the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle using SPSS version 20.
Results: Eighty-three patients (35 males and 48 females), who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Out of these, 67 patients completed the follow-up, 16 patients did not attend the Outpatient Department (OPD) for varying periods. The ITT principle was applied for the analysis considering their last observations. A statistically significant (P = 0.0001, P < 0.05) difference in the mean scores of HDRS, using the paired t-test, was observed. The mean scores at baseline and at end were 17.98 ± 4.9 and 5.8 ± 5.9, respectively. Statistically significant differences were also observed in the BDI and CGI scales. The most frequently used medicines were: Natrum muriaticum (n = 18), Arsenicum album (n = 12), Pulsatilla nigricans (n = 11), Lycopodium clavatum (n = 7) and Phosphorus (n = 6).
Conclusion: A course of six months of homoeopathic treatment is associated with significant benefits in patients suffering from depressive episodes, as measured by HDRS. Further controlled studies are needed to assess the efficacy . Keywords: Arsenicum album, Depressive episode, Homoeopathy, Lycopodium clavatum, Natrum muriaticum, Observational study, Open trial, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla nigricans
How to cite this article:
Oberai P, Balachandran I, Janardhanan Nair K R, Sharma A, Singh V P, Singh V, Nayak C. Homoeopathic management in depressive episodes: A prospective, unicentric, non-comparative, open-label observational study. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2013;7:116-25 |
How to cite this URL:
Oberai P, Balachandran I, Janardhanan Nair K R, Sharma A, Singh V P, Singh V, Nayak C. Homoeopathic management in depressive episodes: A prospective, unicentric, non-comparative, open-label observational study. Indian J Res Homoeopathy [serial online] 2013 [cited 2023 Mar 22];7:116-25. Available from: https://www.ijrh.org/text.asp?2013/7/3/116/119117 |
| Introduction | |  |
Major depressive disorder (unipolar depression) is reported to be the most common mood disorder. [1] In a typical episode, the patient suffers from lowering of mood, reduction of energy and decrease in activity. [2] It is the fourth leading contributor to the Global Burden of Disease, in terms of Disability-Adjusted Life-Years (DALYs) and is projected to rank second by the year 2020. [3] Its prevalence rates in the community samples vary from 1.7 to 74 per thousand Indians. [4] About 6-8% of all outpatients in the primary care settings satisfy the diagnostic criteria for the disorder.
Depressed people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, are more likely to smoke and consume alcohol and share a reciprocal link with obesity. [5] It is a risk factor for stroke, and post-stroke depression and is associated with higher mortality. [6] Nearly 30-60% of the patients with depression and also suffer from pain syndromes [7] and a history of major depression represents a risk factor for disease severity in early inflammatory arthritis. [8] Depression is associated with non-compliance to medical treatment. [9] The treatment choices for depression conventionally include antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and light therapy, administered alone or in combination. [10]
The treatment of mental health disorders, such as, depression, grief, anxiety and phobia are a significant feature of the practice caseload of homoeopathic practitioners. [11] However, major questions regarding the effectiveness and appropriate role of Homoeopathy in the management of depression are still unanswered. [12] There is a lack of high quality clinical trials and incorporation of preference arms or uncontrolled observational studies have been suggested to be methodologically suitable for further studies in this direction. [13] Systemic reviews of randomised placebo-controlled studies with homoeopathic treatment in psychiatry do not preclude the possibility of some benefit. [14] The feasibility of a randomised, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of homoeopathic treatment for depression in general practice is still questioned. A single, double-blind, placebo controlled randomised trial, to assess the efficacy of homoeopathic medicines, found that individually prescribed homoeopathic medicinal products (HMPs) were non-inferior to Fluoxetine, at four and eight weeks of treatment. [15] Two double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, testing the efficacy of individually prescribed HMPs, both failed to recruit a sufficient number of participants, thus preventing analysis of results [16] or resulted in a premature ending of the trial. [17] In observational studies, [18],[19] a majority of patients receiving treatment for depression from homoeopaths report improvement.
Twenty-seven cases studied in an open study on behavioral disorders undertaken by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (henceforth Council) also suggested improvement in depressive neurosis. [20] Although the results were positive, the study was not well-designed, was under-powered and lacked rigor. Thus, an observational, non-comparative study was planned to evaluate the homoeopathic management in depressive episodes.
Primary Objective
To ascertain the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines in the management of 'Depressive Episodes'.
Secondary Objectives
- To verify the characteristic symptoms of useful medicines
- To determine the most useful strategy for the management of different intensities of depressive disorder
- To prevent the progression to bipolar disorder
- To prevent the relapse of a depressive episode.
| Materials and Methods | | |
Study Design
A prospective, non-comparative, open-label observational study was conducted from October 2005 to September 2010 at the placed with CRI (H), Kottayam, Kerala, India, under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH). Experience Homoeopaths were responsible for prescribing homoeopathic medicines, collecting data, checking the follow ups and was trained to implement the study protocol. One psychiatrist consultant was also engaged for the study. All patients gave a written informed consent. The study got the clearance from the Ethical Committee and followed the Declaration of Helsinki [21] and Good Clinical Practices for Clinical Research in India. [22] The patients were admitted to the Indoor Patient Department of the institute, as and when required. The study was funded by CCRH, Department of AYUSH and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Patients and Setting
Patients of both sexes, between the ages of 20 and 60 years were screened for symptoms of depression according to diagnostic criteria of ICD-10. [23]
Inclusion Criteria
Patients presenting with depression of not less than two weeks duration, with a minimum of two of the 'Typical' and two of the 'Common symptoms', willing to participate, were included in the study.
A. Typical symptoms
- Depressed mood
- Loss of interest and enjoyment
- Increased fatigability and diminished activity\
B. Common symptoms
- Reduced concentration and attention
- Reduced self-esteem and self-confidence
- Idea of guilt and unworthiness (even in a mild type of episode)
- Bleak and pessimistic view of the future
- Ideas or acts of self-harm or suicide
- Disturbed sleep
- Diminished appetite
Exclusion Criteria
- Depression due to substance abuse
- Mood disturbances when associated with schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified
- Bipolar affective disorders
- Persistent mood disorders
- Cases diagnosed with life-threatening diseases or currently active physical disease, for which medicine is being adjusted
- Currently receiving treatment with an effective antidepressant (Patient may be considered for inclusion in the study after two weeks wash-out period)
- Any other condition requiring emergency or surgical intervention
- A lifetime or current diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or manic depressive psychosis
- Pregnancy and lactation (pregnancy test to be done in initial screening, if required)
- Patient who improve 25% or more in the symptoms score during the 'run-in' period
- Patient with Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Hypothyroidism
- Actively suicidal
- Depression secondary to physiological effects of medications
Before enrolment into the study, all the patients were observed for a 'run-in period' [24] of one week, without any intervention (given placebo) to confirm the true episode of depression and in case of spontaneous improvement, that is, a decrease of 25% or more in HDRS, that patient was excluded from the study. If the symptoms continued even after the run-in period, written informed consent was obtained and then the patient was enrolled.
Selection of Medicine
The investigators of the study made an in-depth interview with the patients and their relatives, as per the guidelines laid down by Hahnemann, [25] for matching the patients' symptoms and the homoeopathic medicines. Each case was recorded in detail in a Case Recording Performa (CRP) designed for the study, based on classical homoeopathic principles. After case analysis the symptoms of each case were repertorised. The similinum was selected on the individualisation of the patient as per the repertorial result, in consultation with the Materia Medica. The medicines were procured from the pharmacy having the Good Manufacturing Practices certificate and approved by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Council.
Intervention
A single dose (four pills, size no. 30) of the selected medicine in 30C was given to the patients, to be taken empty stomach, followed by placebo next day onwards, thrice a day, for one week. Each patient was treated by a change in medicine or change in potency during the subsequent follow ups, as per homoeopathic principles. There was no adjunctive therapy (e.g., counselling, psychotherapy), however, the investigator discussed the problems faced by the patients during the follow ups, if required. The patients in the study were not allowed any other medication except the individualised homoeopathic medicine. In case of acute exacerbation of depression or any other acute disease condition, the medicine selected was either a continuation of the pre-selected medicine, or a better indicated medicine. This medicine was prescribed repeatedly as per the intensity of the acute exacerbation. If the patient's symptoms or condition did not improve or was aggravated by the homoeopathic medicines, that patient was referred for allopathic treatment.
The response was assessed and further treatment was given as per the guidelines of Hahnemann [21] and Kent. [26] Appearance of any change (relief/worse) and status quo was followed by administration of placebo/change of potency/change of remedy, as per the need of each case.
Treatment and Follow up
The six-month treatment period was followed by six months of 'observation period', when the patient did not receive either placebo or medicine during consultations. During this period, the progress of the disease as well as relapse after ceasing treatment was observed. All efforts were made to ensure compliance of instructions and adherence to the prescribed therapeutic schedule. Follow-up visits were carried out weekly or fortnightly in the first month of treatment and every month thereafter, for 11 months.
Outcome Assessment
The intensity of depression was measured by using the validated scales. These are, the 17-point questionnaire Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the 21-point Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Other assessment measures were the Clinical Global Impression (CGI-1) scale (on a scale of 1-7), a validated measure of illness severity and Clinical Global Improvement (CGI-2) owing to treatment. The data related to these questionnaires were collected at baseline and at monthly intervals for 12 months by the investigators and consultant psychiatrist.
Based on the total HDRS score, the intensity of depression was further classified as mild (10 to ≤13), moderate (14 to ≤17), or severe (17 and above), on the 21-point BDI and the CGI-1 (on a scale of 1-7) and CGI-2 scales. The intensity of the disease was assessed on all scores, based on the HDRS scores, at baseline and on each follow-up visit. The diagnosis and scores of all these patients were confirmed by a psychiatrist. If the patient was on any other medication, he/she was advised to discontinue it for at least two weeks prior to enrolment (wash-out period).
The primary outcome measure was a change in the HDRS scores. The change was calculated using the formula {(Baseline score - score at end)/baseline score } ×100. Changes were graded as: Cured (100% improvement), marked improvement (75 to <100%), moderate improvement (50 to <75%), mild improvement (25 to <50%), not significant (<25%), not improved (no change) and worse (increase in symptoms score). However, the improvement of the individual symptoms on the HDRS and BDI scales were also analysed, as a reduction in score was considered as improved, increase in score as worse and no change in score as static.
Statistical Analysis
Statistical analysis was conducted through the SPSS software version 20 with the Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. Patients who had at least one visit, apart from the baseline, were included for analysis. The ITT principle was applied for conducting the analysis, considering the last observations carried forward. The baseline mean questionnaire scores (HDRS and BDI) were compared with the mean scores at the end, using comparative analysis of the paired t-tests. A two-tailed alpha of less than 0.05 (P < 0.05) was considered statistically significant. The data from CGI scales were represented using the median/inter-quartile range. Repeated measures of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare the changes in the HDRS scores at various time points during the study. Parametric tests were used for continuous data and non-parametric tests were used for ordinal data. The formulae for effect size calculation were: Effect size = difference of means/pooled standard deviations for continuous data and effect size = Z/√N in the case of ordinal data, where Z was the Z score and N was the total number of observations. They were classified as, r = 0.5, large; r < 0.3, medium; r = 0.1, small. The P < 0.05 was considered significant.
| Results | | |
A total of 83 patients diagnosed with depressive episodes, who qualified the predefined inclusion criteria were enrolled and analysed in the study. Out of these, 67 patients completed the follow-up of one year, including the six-month observation period, 16 patients did not complete the follow up and attended the OPD for varying periods. The ITT principle was applied for conducting the analysis, considering the last observations carried forward, for 16 patients. Among the study population, the maximum patients who enrolled were in the age group of 31 to 40 years. Patients who suffered from episodes of depression for less than one year formed 45.8% (n = 38) of the total number of patients and 43% of the patients (n = 37) had depression for one to ten years. It was also observed that 77.10% (n = 64) of the depressives suffered from moderate-to-severe intensity. It was seen from the baseline profile that 84.33% of the participants (n = 70) were educated merely up to the tenth grade, intermediate or diploma classes. Moreover, 22.89% participants (n = 19) belonged to the poorest sections (Labourers and farmers) of the society. The baseline details of all the patients, along with the duration of illness and intensity, are reflected in [Table 1].
The HDRS scores showed that at the baseline, 19 patients had depression of mild intensity, 19 had depression of moderate intensity and 45 had depression of severe intensity. The intensity of patients during treatment and in the observation period only is reflected in [Table 2]. The outcome assessment based on the HDRS scores, indicated that 48 patients had improved markedly, 17 moderately and 2 mildly, however, 16 cases were static [Table 3]. The mean HDRS score analysed at baseline was 17.98 ± 4.9. The mean score at six months of the treatment period was 8.7 ± 5.8 and at end was 5.8 ± 5.9. The difference in the mean scores at baseline and at end was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.001, <0.05) [Table 4]. Repeated Measure ANOVA and Friedman's tests were used to analyse the scores based on HDRS, BDI, CGI-1 and CGI-2, at various follow-up times of baseline. The scores at the third month, sixth month, ninth month and twelfth month are significantly different (P = 0.001) [Table 4]. | Table 2: Intensity of depression, during treatment and observation period
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The differences in individual symptoms based on the HDRS scale and BDI scale present at baseline and at the end were statistically significant. Reduction in score was considered as improved, increase in score as worse and the no change in score as static [Table 5] and [Table 6]. Although there was worsening in some of the individual symptoms on the scales used, not even a single case went into adverse condition. Eleven different remedies were prescribed during the course of the study. All medicines were prescribed for six months of the study, except in one patient where Natrum muriaticum was prescribed at nine months due to relapse of the acute symptoms. However, no patient reported any adverse event during the study period. The most frequent first prescriptions were Natrum muriaticum (24.09%, n = 20), Arsenicum album (14.5%, n = 12), Pulsatilla nigricans (15.7%, n = 13), Phosphorus (12%, n = 10) and Lycopodium clavatum (9.6%, n = 8). These five medicines together accounted for 62 cases (74.69% of the study group). Other prescribed medicines included Nitricum Acidum Aurum metallicum, Calcarea carbonica, Ignatia, Lachesis mutus, Nux vomica, Sepia Officinalis and Sulphur [Table 7]. | Table 7: Medicines prescribed during the study, indicating the change in status of patients at the end
Click here to view |
Change of remedy was necessary only in five patients during the course of the study, because of aggravation or no change in symptoms after the first prescription. In the second prescription, Natrum muriaticum was prescribed in two cases and Lycopodium, Pulsatilla and Phosphorus in one case each. However, Natrum muriaticum was continued in one patient, due to acute persistence of the disease, even after six months of treatment. All the medicines were associated with a statistically significant change in the HDRS score from baseline to six months and 12 months (P < 0.05), except Aurum metallicum (P = 0.20) (prescribed in two patients only) [Table 8].
| Discussion | | |
In this study, although analysed as per ITT, 19.27% of the enrolled patients (n = 16) could not be followed-up due to non-compliance to the study protocol. The data supports the earlier knowledge that non-adherence to medications and treatment protocols is a major issue in depression. [27] In this study also, 22.89% of the patients (n = 19) belonged to the poorest sections (Labourers and farmers) of the society, strengthening the earlier studies that lower socioeconomic status is associated with higher levels of depression. [28],[29],[30] Various studies show women to be more frequent sufferers of depression. [31],[32] The baseline data of this study corroborate these findings.
From the baseline HDRS scores, it was found that with homoeopathic treatment, out of the 45 patients who had severe intensity of depression, 29 (64.4%) patients had remarkable improvement in their overall condition and the HDRS scores fell below 10 at the end of study. Similar results were also seen in those suffering from moderate and mild intensity of depression. The duration of illness did not have an impact on the outcome of treatment. The participants' HDRS scores improved steadily over time, as measured at the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth follow-up visits.
The homoeopathic medicines that were prescribed for those patients who reportedly had improvement (as measured by name outcome measure) were Natrum muriaticum, Arsenicum album, Pulsatilla nigricans, Lycopodium clavatum, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Lachesis, Aurum metallicum, Sepia, Calcarea carbonica and Nux vomica. A study on distress during climacteric years, which included symptoms of depression, found Sepia, Lachesis, Calcarea carbonica, Lycopodium clavatum and Sulphur as the most effective medicines. [33] Similarly, another study implicated Arsenicum album, Calcarea carbonica, Lycopodium clavatum, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphorus, Sulphur and Sepia as useful medicines for the treatment of depression. [15] These results have laid the foundation to evolve a group of medicines that are more frequently needed to treat depression. Further clinical investigation on the effectiveness of these medicinal agents in treating depression will provide precise information on their usefulness to the homoeopathic practitioners.
This study showed that homoeopathic medicines had a promising role in the management of depressive episodes, which had to be followed by randomised clinical trials. It was found that none of the patients progressed to bipolar disorder during the follow up of one year. Relapse of the symptoms was observed in only one patient during the observation period. No adverse event was reported with the treatment. Treatment following classical homoeopathic principles, based on totality of symptoms and change of medicine in case of aggravation or no relief, was found to be effective in relieving various intensities of depressive episodes.
After the treatment period, there was a six-month observation period when neither medicine nor placebo was given. Even during this period, continued improvement was noticed in all the assessment parameters. This finding strengthened the claim that the effect of homoeopathic medicines is not merely a placebo effect. [34],[35]
According to Katz et al., a general, practice-based, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in the treatment of depressive episodes with homoeopathy was not feasible, owing to recruitment difficulties. [16] As the present study was not a randomized controlled trial, it did not encounter such difficulties. In this context, we look forward to the results from a placebo-controlled four-armed trial by Adler et al. [17]
The objective to prevent the progression to bipolar disorder was achieved in all participants. Preventing the relapse of the condition was achieved in all, but one patient, who continued to suffer till nine months. Prescribing homoeopathic medicines based on proper repertorisation and individualisation of the patients, with repetition of medicines when necessary, was determined as a useful strategy for the management of different intensities of depressive disorders.
The study was an uncontrolled study and stood weaker than the controlled trials on the strength of evidence. Hence, further explorations of this subject need larger studies, with better methodological adaptations (placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trials), if feasible. However, this study may be considered a step forward in the direction of evidence-based homoeopathic treatment of depression.
| Conclusion | | |
A course of six months of Homoeopathic treatment is associated with significant benefits in patients suffering from depressive episodes, as measured by HDRS. Further studies should be controlled to assess the efficacy .
| Acknowledgment | | |
The authors are thankful to the Director General of CCRH, Dr. R.K. Manchanda, former Directors Dr. Alok Kumar, Dr. R. Shaw, late Dr. D.P. Rastogi, Dr. V.P. Singh and Dr. S. P. Singh for providing technical co-operation and administrative support from time to time for conducting the study. The contributions of Dr. V. Roja, Scientist-1 and Mrs. Maya Padmanabhan, Statistical Assistant for helping in the statistical analysis of the study; Dr. A. K. Agrawal, SRF(H) and Dr. Kalpana Gautam, SRF(H), for assisting in drafting the manuscript and Miss Vandana Sharma for typographical assistance are acknowledged. Acknowledgements to Officers-in-charge of the Institute and the patients enrolled in the study, who provided an opportunity to probe the scope of homoeopathic medicines.
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[Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4], [Table 5], [Table 6], [Table 7], [Table 8]
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Psychological implications during the outbreak of COVID-19 and its homoeopathic management |
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| SanjeeviKarunakara Moorthi,P Radhika,KC Muraleedharan | | Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy. 2020; 14(2): 136 | | [Pubmed] | [DOI] | | | 4 |
Rethinking ADHD intervention trials: feasibility testing of two treatments and a methodology |
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| Philippa Fibert,Tessa Peasgood,Clare Relton | | European Journal of Pediatrics. 2019; | | [Pubmed] | [DOI] | | | 5 |
Homeopathy in the treatment of depression: a systematic review |
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| Petter Viksveen,Philippa Fibert,Clare Relton | | European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2018; | | [Pubmed] | [DOI] | | | 6 |
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 |
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| Philippa Fibert,Clare Relton,Tessa Peasgood,David Daley | | Pilot and Feasibility Studies. 2018; 4(1) | | [Pubmed] | [DOI] | | | 7 |
Homöopathie bei psychiatrischen Patienten – Für und Wider |
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| N. Hock,G. Juckel | | Der Nervenarzt. 2018; | | [Pubmed] | [DOI] | |
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