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 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 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 Complementary
Medicine. “homeopathy for Attention-
Deficit/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 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.