Homeopathy in Psychiatry

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

Hahnemann College).

(a

graduate

of

 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 and keeps it in harmonious order.” (Samuel Hahnemann, Organon of Medicine, 1810)

 When

symptoms of illness are present, vital force is unbalanced – not in homeostasis  Remedies work to return homeostasis

Source Plants, minerals and animal products Poisons such as arsenic and strychnine could never be used as medicines in their crude form but are safe, effective agents for disease treatment when placed into potency. The Lachesis mutacase, potentised snake venom was used to safely treat high blood pressure

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 particular

ultimately

the

symptoms

substance

cure

can

when

which

that

produce

and

made

potentized homeopathic remedy.

into

a

HOMOEOPATHY PROS AND CONS

THE PROS  Homoeopathic

medicine is prepared from

natural ingredients  It

is not the chemical component of a

drug  medicines

women

are truly safe for pregnant

 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

approved and quite cost-effective

FDA

 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  In

is not treatable by Homoeopathy

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

confidence.

respect

but

also

creates



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  Excited

with cerebral congestion

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  Exposure

many Sexual appetite insatiable to genitals in public

PULSATILLA  often

express anxiety as insecurity and

clinginess, with a need for constant support and comforting  moody,

tearful,

emotionally childish.

whiny,

and

even



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

 Talks  if

of life

of committing suicide

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,

suppressed emotions

resentment,

and

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  Great

confusion and apathy

depression

 Difficulty

in concentration

 Absent-mindedness

morning or evening

Worse in

GELSEMIUM 200  Cannot

concentrate

 Cannot

think clearly

 Desires

to be left alone in peace

 Dull,

torpid, sleepy

 Dreads

movement

BUFO 200  Convulsion:  Seizure

with epileptic symptoms

occurs during sleep at night

Connected

with

disturbance

of

sexual functions like menstruation,

coitus , impotence

CICUTA 200  From

concussion of brain

 Frightful  Curved

distortions patient is violent

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,

tastes imperfectly HYDRASTIS 30 Most depressed Is sure of death

hears,

GRAPHITES 200 

Mental depression Thinks only of death

and salvation ABSINTHIUM 30 

With frightful visions



Loss of memory of recent events

CROCUS 30  Laughing  Sings

mania

and

laughs

But

suddenly

changes from hilarity to melancholy

JOURNAL STUDIES Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. “homeopathy for AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot Randomized-Controlled Trial” Oct 2005, Vol. 11, No. 5: 799-806.  “This pilot study provides no evidence to support a therapeutic effect of individually selected homeopathic remedies in children with ADHD. A therapeutic effect of the homeopathic encounter is suggested and warrants 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 uncontrollable.

disruptive,

Aggressive

and



ADHD is treated medically with stimulant drugs

such

hypertensive

as

Ritalin,

medicines.

or

oral

While

anti-

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

have

using homeopathy for ADHD

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.