HOMEOPATHY IN PSYCHIATRY

Mr. RENJULAL 090504009

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING

Homeopathy is a whole medical system that was

developed in Germany more than 200 years ago

HISTORY OF HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE

DR. SAMUEL HAHNEMANN (1755–1843)

Born in Meissen, Saxony on April 10, 1755

Hahnemann became a Medical Doctor in

1791 and practiced conventional medicine

for nine years

In July 2, 1843 Hahnemann expired, in

Paris, at the age of 88

CONSTANTINE HERING (1800-1880)

Constantine Hering was born on January 1st ,

1800, in Oschatz Germany

He later became interested in, and studied,

medicine at Leipzig University

Hering graduated from the University of Leipzig

(in 1826), writing his Doctoral Thesis on “De

Medicina Futura” (The Medicine of the

Future).

Constantine Hering is widely known as “The

Father of American Homeopathy”

JAMES TYLER KENT (1849–1916)

Kent practiced conventional medicine in

St. Louis then converted to, homeopathy

through the successful homeopathic

treatment of his seriously ailing wife by

Dr. Richard Phelan (a graduate of

Hahnemann College).

Kent developed “Pictures” of constitutional

types of patients

homeopath must treat not only the patients

physical body, but also the mental/emotional

and spiritual elements simultaneously which

required using the higher potencies.

DEFINITION

Homeopathy is a system of treating patients

using very low dose preparations according

to the principle „like should be cured with

like‟

Homeopathic medicines work by stimulating

the body‟s own immune system (vital force)

PRINCIPLES OF HOMEOPATHY

The Law of Similars

The law of Similars states that “a substance

from nature that has the ability to cause a set of

symptoms in a healthy person, can help those

same symptoms in a sick person. The substance

that produces the most similar symptoms will

heal most effectively”.

Hahnemann first discovered the Law of

Similars during his experiment to discover

why quinine (the active substance in

today's antimalarial drugs), extracted from

Peruvian Cinchona bark, cured malaria.

Cinchona pubescens - flowers

Hahnemann took repeated doses of the extract

himself to see what would happen. He

developed periodic chills and fever, common

symptoms of malaria.

he proposed that the reason cinchona bark

can effectively treat malaria in sick individuals

is because of its ability to produce malaria-like

symptoms in healthy individuals.

Weaker is Stronger

Hahnemann realized that the substance

dose must be very small in order to

accomplish healing without significant side

effects

Serial dilution

He created small doses by repeatedly diluting the

original substance in a water and alcohol mixture

to remove the toxicity and create a safe, effective

medicine.(Avogadro’s law)

Succussion

A process of shaking the medicine to retain the

effectiveness of the medicine and to make it

stronger

Potentization

He called the combined process of serial

dilution and succussion by the term

Potentization

Homeopaths commonly use medicines made

with 30, 200, 1,000, or 10,000 dilutions, far

exceeding the point at which molecules of

the original substance should remain in the

mixture.

Single Remedy

Homeopathy uses only a single remedy

because of the single principle that guides

homeopathic practice, the law of Similars.

A homeopath gives only one single natural

remedy that is individualized according to

the client's pattern of symptoms

The homeopath treats the person not the disease

Unique treatment for unique individuals

Homeopathy treats people, not diagnoses

There is a vast difference between

behaviours, personalities, and characteristics

of the many individuals that fall under the

one diagnostic umbrella of depression

The homeopath conducts an extensive

interview in which she delves into the

specific behaviours, attitudes, beliefs and

motivations of the individual.

Vital Force

During health, a spiritual power (autocracy,vital force) animates the organism andkeeps it in harmonious order.”(Samuel Hahnemann, Organon of Medicine, 1810)

When symptoms of illness are present,vital force is unbalanced – not inhomeostasis

Remedies work to return homeostasis

Source

Plants, minerals and animal products

The Lachesis mutacase, potentised snake venom was used to safely treat high blood pressure

Poisons such as arsenicand strychnine couldnever be used asmedicines in their crudeform but are safe,effective agents fordisease treatment whenplaced into potency.

Provings

The secrets of the substances used in

homeopathy are unlocked by experiments called

'provings„

In a proving, a substance unknown to

participants or provers, is given in either a crude

dose if its toxicity is not too great, or in a

homeopathic dilution until they begin to develop

symptoms.

Provers record whatever happens to them

physically, mentally and emotionally during

the experiment.

These records are carefully analyzed to

determine the symptoms which that

particular substance can produce and

ultimately cure when made into a

potentized homeopathic remedy.

HOMOEOPATHY

PROS AND CONS

THE PROS

Homoeopathic medicine is prepared from

natural ingredients

It is not the chemical component of a

drug

medicines are truly safe for pregnant

women

Homoeopathy works in harmony with the

immune system of the body

Homoeopathy has treatment even for un-

diagnosable diseases because medicines

are not prescribed just on the basis of the

disease, but the complete picture of the

patient

Homoeopathy has the power to treat the

most fundamental existing unit of the

body and ensures a cure in the true sense

Homoeopathy has the potential to cure

problems like nasal polyps recurrent tonsil

infections

homoeopathic physician is trained to see

and analyze the complete picture

Homoeopathic medicine has been

established by healthy human beings

Homoeopathic medicines are FDA

approved and quite cost-effective

Homoeopathy believes that the seat of

any disease lies in the mind

It works very well in psychological as well

as psychiatric cases

The medicines have a great influence on

the mental state.

It is very effective at preventing a disease

or treating hereditary problems

In cases of incurable or terminal cases, it

eases the patient‟s problems in a gentle

way to provide relief.

It works to re-establish the harmony of

body, mind and spirit

THE CONS

Homoeopathic case taking is a long and

tedious process and eliciting the right

information from the patient may be even

more challenging

may lead to a wrong prescription, prolonging

the period of treatment.

The homoeopathic remedy is decided on the

basis of the overall picture analysis of the

patient. Hence the physician should be well

trained and should have the skill and dedication

to trace the right medicine.

Homoeopathy has its limitations in cases

where irreversible, pathological changes

have occurred.

Hernia is not treatable by Homoeopathy

In some chronic cases, Homoeopathy may

take a long time to show results

HOMEOPATHY AND

MENTAL HEALTH

DR. HAHNEMANN AND MENTAL HEALTH

Hahnemann started promulgating the

humanistic treatment of the mentally ill in

1793.

In 1796 Hahnemann wrote: "The physician in

charge of such unhappy people (the insane)

must, indeed have at his command an attitude

which inspires respect but also creates

confidence.

The first homeopathic hospital for the mentally

ill was founded in Middletown, New York, in May

1874.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES IN THE TREATMENT OF MENTAL DISORDER

Nuxvomica.30 or 200

For bad effects of excessive use of alcohol;

tremors, delirium and gastric complaints, etc;

irritable and nervous patient

Acid-sulph.30

When patient cannot digest even small quantity

of food without taking alcohol

CANNABIS IND.30 OR 200

When patient becomes violent and talkative

after prolonged use of alcohol

Cataplexy

Patient has a sobering effect in nervous

disorders such as epilepsy, mania, dementia,

delirium tremens and irritable reflexes

The patient suffers from hallucination,

exaggeration of duration of time and extent of

space Unbounded happiness, uncontrollable

laughter or terrible depression

Emotional excitement with rapid changes of

mood

Constant fear of becoming Insane

OPIUM 200 OR 1M

For patients who drink in excess and have many fears

in mind.

Delirium tremens

Talks in delirium with eyes wide open

CONIUM MAC.200

Patient becomes intoxicated after consuming small

quantity of alcoholic drinks; especially old bachelors

ALUMINA 30

Usually constipated, stools hard; patient

feels intoxicated with small quantity of

alcoholic drinks

Alzheimer‟s disease

LACHESIS 30 OR 200

For bad character who are wicked and

jealous in nature and talk nonsense even

before drinking

• Religious mania

Believes he is caring out God's commands directly

relayed

HYOSCYAMUS 30 OR 200

Delirium tremens - constant loquacious

Talks obscene Uncovers genitals In the presence of

others

Mania

Ceaseless talking

Quarrelsome

Convulsions

Violent onset Trembling, quavering, Jerking of all

muscles of the body Cramps In calves, toes

Epileptic attack in deep sleep

BELLADONNA 30

Delirium tremens - inflammatory; rush of blood

towards head

Delirium with cerebral congestion

Excited mental state Acuteness of all

senses Frightful Images Hallucinations

Visual Illusions lives in a world of his

own

STRAMONIUM 200 OR 1M

Delirium tremens - maniacal; hallucination, illusions

and fear of dark

CIMICIFUGA 30 OR 200

Mental depression and tremors; tries to injure himself

ACID-SULPH.30

To create aversion to alcoholic drinks, water causes

coldness in the stomach; water must be mixed with

liquors

STROPANTHUS Q

For chronic drunkards with weak heart

QUERCUS G-S.Q

To take away craving for alcohol

ANGELICA Q

To produce disgust for liquor

SYPHILINUM 1M OR 10M

Hereditary tendency(excessive desire)for alcoholic

drinks

CAMPHOR Q

If Angelica Q fails(sos)

Violent with hysterical excitement, Due to shock In

tetanus

ARSENIC ALB 30(SOS)

Desire to take alcoholic drinks instead of water

Great anguish

Restlessness Changes place continuously

Exhaustion alter slightest exertion All pervading

debility Nightly aggravation

ACONITUM NAPELLUS

A panic attack that comes on suddenly

with very strong fear

A state of immense anxiety may be

accompanied by strong palpitations,

shortness of breath, and flushing of the

face

ARGENTUM NITRICUM

when anxiety develops before a big event: an

exam, an important interview, a public

appearance or social engagement

Fearful and nervous Melancholic Fears death is

near

CALCAREA CARBONICA

Dependable, solid people who become

overwhelmed from physical illness or too much

work and start to fear a breakdown

Fear of heights and claustrophobia

Fears „loss of reason‟ Fears „misfortune‟

A person who needs this remedy is often chilly and

sluggish, has a craving for sweets, and is easily

fatigued.

GELSEMIUM

Cannot concentrate

Cannot think clearly

Desires to be left alone in peace

Dull, torpid, sleepy Dreads movement

Feelings of weakness, trembling, and mental

dullness

Chills, perspiration, diarrhea, and headaches

fear of falling, and even a fear that the heart

might stop

IGNATIA AMARA

A sensitive person who is anxious because of

grief, loss, disappointment, criticism, loneliness

grief or disappointment and try to keep the hurt

inside

Wanting not to cry or appear too vulnerable to

others

Grief after shock and disappointment sighs and

sobs

Alternating joy and sorrow In hysterical

persons

Convulsions caused by excitement or by

depression or by fright

By physical punishment of children Of

hysterical women

Twitching all over the body

Kali phosphoricum

Exhausted by overwork or illness and feels a

deep anxiety and inability to cope

Nervous prostration

Mental and physical depression

Night terrors

Mental and physical depression Great

despondency

Lycopodium

Melancholic depression

Afraid to be left alone

0% of self-confidence

feel anxiety from mental stress and suffer

from a lack of confidence

Uses wrong words, wrong syllables

Spells wrongly

Thought confused

Natrum muriaticum

Deep emotions and a self-protective shyness

can make these people seem reserved, aloof,

and private

Even when feeling lonely, they tend to stay

away from social situations, not knowing what

to say or do.

Easily hurt and offended,

they can brood

bear grudges

dwell on unhappy feelings

isolate themselves

PHOSPHORUS

openhearted, imaginative, excitable, easily

startled, and full of intense and vivid fears

Fears to be left alone

Obscene many Sexual appetite insatiable

Exposure to genitals in public

PULSATILLA

often express anxiety as insecurity and

clinginess, with a need for constant

support and comforting

moody, tearful, whiny, and even

emotionally childish.

Bashful (shy)

Timid Mild, Gentle, yielding disposition,

Highly emotional.

Dreads opposite sex

Peevish

Thirst less and chilly

SILICEA

capable and serious, yet are also nervous,

shy, and subject to bouts of temporary loss

of confidence

Worry and overwork can bring on

headaches, difficulty concentrating, and

states of exhaustion, oversensitivity, and

dread

AURUM METALLICUM

Disgust of life

Talks of committing suicide

if they feel they have failed in some way.

Discouragement, self-reproach, humiliation,

and anger can lead to feelings of emptiness

and worthlessness

CAUSTICUM

A person who feels depressed because of grief

and loss

Frequent crying or a feeling of mental dullness

and forgetfulness

CIMICIFUGA

upset and gloomy when depressed

exaggerated fears

NATRUM MURIATICUM

reserved, responsible, and private

SEPIA

People who feel weary, irritable, and indifferent to

family members, and worn out by the demands of

everyday life

They want to be left alone and may respond in

an angry or cutting way if anyone bothers them

Staphysagria

Quiet, sensitive, emotional people who have

difficulty standing up for themselves

Hurt feelings, shame, resentment, and

suppressed emotions

ANCARDIUM

Brain fag,

Impaired memory

Absent-mindedness Accompanying

this is weakness of all senses, of

sight, of hearing and so on

Aversion to work lack of self-control

Old age dementia

LYCOPODIUM 200

Uses wrong words, wrong syllables

Spells wrongly

Thought confused

ARNICA 200

Trauma of grief after mental strain or shock.

Due to remorse or sudden loss financial or

human.

The patient is morose, indifferent, nervous

Wants to be left alone

Cannot bear path or touch

COCCULUS 30

Profound sadness

Absorbed in reveries

PHOSPHORIC ACID 30

Apathetic indifferent as a result of

grief and mental shock

Settled despair Mental debility

followed by physical debility

CARBO VEG 200

Anorexia nervosa

Appetite lost Should be taken over a

long period of time

PLATINA 30

Naughty, Proud

Has contempt for others Indulges in self

exaltation

IPECAC 200

Anorexia nervosa

Complete loathing of food.

Persistent sensation of nausea with

vomiting

Self-induced vomiting Vomit food, bile,

blood, mucus

Nausea not relieved even by vomit

APIS 200 (used for awkwardness)

Drops things easily

Apathetic Numbness of hands and of tips of

fingers

Delirium with loquacity

Child screams and shrieks, rolls his head,

gnashes his teeth

Congestion in the brain

Worse by heat

BOVISTA 30

(used for awkwardness)

Everything falls from hands

Clumsiness in use of hands

Weariness of hands

Weakness of joints

ARAGALLUS LAMBERTI 200

Bewildered

Mental confusion and apathy

Great depression

Difficulty in concentration

Absent-mindedness Worse in

morning or evening

GELSEMIUM 200

Cannot concentrate

Cannot think clearly

Desires to be left alone in peace

Dull, torpid, sleepy

Dreads movement

BUFO 200

Convulsion: with epileptic symptoms

Seizure occurs during sleep at night

Connected with disturbance of

sexual functions like menstruation,

coitus , impotence

CICUTA 200

From concussion of brain

Frightful distortions patient is violent

Curved limbs cannot be straightened

nor straight ones bent

Epilepsy with moaning, howling

PHOSPHORIC ACID 30

Mental debility first, Later physical

Nervous exhaustion

Cannot collect thoughts

Cannot choose right word

Confused Indifferent

Crushing headache

Deficient sexual power

AGARICUS 200

Delirium of fevers, of alcoholism,

from cerebral excitement Shouting,

muttering and rhyming

CANTHARIS 200

Furious delirium

Paroxysms of rage, crying, baring

HELLEBORUS 30

sensorial depression Sees, hears,

tastes imperfectly

HYDRASTIS 30

Most depressed Is sure of death

GRAPHITES 200

Mental depression Thinks only of death

and salvation

ABSINTHIUM 30

With frightful visions

Loss of memory of recent events

CROCUS 30

Laughing mania

Sings and laughs But suddenly

changes from hilarity to melancholy

JOURNAL STUDIES Journal of Alternative and ComplementaryMedicine. “homeopathy for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A PilotRandomized-Controlled Trial” Oct 2005,Vol. 11, No. 5: 799-806.

“This pilot study provides no evidence tosupport a therapeutic effect of individuallyselected homeopathic remedies in childrenwith ADHD. A therapeutic effect of thehomeopathic encounter is suggested andwarrants further evaluation.”

“homeopathy quiets hyperactivity”

published in British homeopathy journal

–October, 1997

Attention deficient hyperactivity (ADHD) is the most

commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder of children

affecting about 3-5% in the U.S. and about the

same amount in Canada. It is generally believed to

be a physiological brain disorder with a genetic

component. Children with ADHD are impulsive,

overactive, inattentive, poor learners, and are

frequently disruptive, Aggressive and

uncontrollable.

ADHD is treated medically with stimulant

drugs such as Ritalin, or oral anti-

hypertensive medicines. While these

medications are effective, side effects are

possible and most of these drugs are not

given to children under the age of six for

fear of toxicity, 20% of ADHD children do

not respond to the first stimulant drug tried,

or he has a negative reaction to it.

Clinicians using homeopathy for ADHD

have reported good results, but

objective evidence has been lacking.

Now, a double blind, placebo- controlled

study of 43 children with ADHD shows

that Homeopathy can be effective in

treating the disorder:

The Homeopathic Medicines found most helpful for

ADHD were Stramonium, Cina Hyocyamus Niger

Stramonium was specifically indicated when the

children had many fears, or suffered symptoms of

post traumatic stress disorder.

Cina benefited those children who were physically

aggressive

Hyocyamus Niger benefited those children whose

ADHD was accompanied with manic or sexualized

symptoms.