Homeopathy for the Treatment of Mental Disorders: A Narrative Review

Description

Page: 530-537

Qurratulain Haseeb and Jyotsana Shukla (Amity Insititue of Behavioural and Allied sciences, Amity University Uttar Pradesh)

This review discusses pharmacological interventions for six mental disorders (Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Schizophrenia, & Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and analyses the existing literature to determine the efficacy of homeopathy as an alternative treatment. While case studies demonstrate positive outcomes for all the disorders listed, robust clinical trials and systematic reviews do not consistently validate these claims. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Schizophrenia seem to be an exception as the available literature suggests that homeopathy is superior to a placebo, but still requires further investigation with larger sample sizes. It further explores why individuals pursue alternative treatments despite the recorded efficacy of evidence-based medicine. Homeopathy could offer a gentler option for those facing conventional treatment challenges and with milder symptoms. The review calls for high-quality research in this field, with adequate controls to ensure the results are reliable.