Randomized controlled trial of homeopathy for panic disorder

Neha Sharma

Randomized controlled trial of homeopathy for panic disorder

Neha Sharma

University of Warwick, UK

: Int J Ment Health Psychiatry

Abstract

Background: Panic disorder is one of the most disabling and costly disorders, which often unnecessarily use health care resources. Homeopathy has been discussed as a therapeutic alternative or add-on in relevance to psychiatry, but as yet no study has been conducted for panic disorder. Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of homeopathy intervention treating panic disorder. Design & Setting: Randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial conducted in 4 psychiatric clinics from May 2014 to April 2016. Participants: 232 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder. Intervention: 182 meeting DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder were randomized to receive either treatment as usual or an intervention combination with homeopathy for up to 4 months, with up to 6 follow-up during the next 10 months and pharmacotherapy provided by psychiatrist. Main Outcome Measures: Treatment response was measured by the panic disorder severity scale (PDSS) and change over time by World Health Organization Disability Scale and SF-12. Results: The combined intervention resulted in sustained and gradually better improvement than treatment as usual, with significant reduction in severity of panic symptoms (p<0.001) and more likely to respond at treatment termination (p<0.002). Greater improvements in World Health Organization Disability Scale (all points) and SF-12 mental health functioning were reported in combined homeopathy treatment. Conclusion: Delivery of evidence-based homeopathy and medication using the collaborative care model and homeopathy is feasible and significantly more effective than usual care for panic disorder,