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Final Paper HOM 501
HOM 501 -Final Paper
Jennifer Archie
ACHS
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Final Paper HOM 501
Introduction
Depression has touched the lives of millions of people worldwide and is studied and
treated in many ways. Defined as a mood disorder that includes feelings of anxiety, sadness,
hopelessness, helplessness, deep grief or suicidal ideations, depression denotes an overall feeling
of unbalance and emotional instability. The grip of depression on a person’s life can be
catastrophic and overwhelming to the patient and their loved ones. Traditional treatments for
depression often include counseling with a therapist and the use of pharmaceutical drugs that
have a myriad of side effects. The study of effectiveness and relevance of homeopathic treatment
is important because it has little to no ill effect on the patient and is used with any age patient.
Homeopathy recognizes the individual and unique needs of each patient, tailored to each
person’s needs. This method creates an overall sense of well-being and gives patients a feeling of
greater control of their depression.
The research study selected to overview is a double-blind, randomized, non-inferiority trial
that compares individualized homeopathically treated patients of depression and patients using
Prozac ( fluoxetine). It was an 8-week trial done in partnership with a selected pharmacist who
aided in the after- trial comparisons of effectiveness, side-effects, and clinical worsening.
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Summary of Research, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Demonstrating how homeopathy can successfully treat depression can be achieved with
studies conducted only on the usage of these remedies. However, the research study that shows an
overview on a direct comparison between the use of Prozac and homeopathic remedy, gives a
glimpse into why people choose an alternative method (Adler, et al., 2011).
The authors state that until recent decades the exact use of Hahnemann’s dynamization
method of dosing was relative unknown and little research on homeopathic remedy was conducted.
The use of dosing at the Quinquagintamillesimal, or Q-potency, level that dilutes at 50,000 times
at each dose, is followed in randomized controlled studies that have proven homeopathy to be
effective in fibromyalgia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The particular research provided in the article is very thorough in its description of how
the trial was conducted. Ninety-one patients were selected who were already being seen for
depression, were willing to participate in the study, and agreed to comply with procedures. It is
relevant that the study sites the help of pharmacists and providers which adds an ethical standard
and concern for the patients selected.
It is also interesting to note the very precise notation of the study medication usage. Qpotency homeopathic remedy was given three days a week in the morning and the Prozac (20mg)
was given daily, also in the morning.
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In 4 weeks, if there was no reported change the researchers, pharmacists, and medical and
homeopathic providers, would then up the Prozac to 40mg or use a new homeopathic remedy. This
demonstrates that sensitivity to patient need was kept in mind at all times. The following is a list
of some of the homeopathic remedies used versus Prozac, based on the individual patient intake:
Alumina, Anacardium orientale, Arsenicum album, Calcarea carbonica, Causticum, Natrum
muriaticum, Phosphorus, and Sulphur.
The drawback of homeopathic remedy being extremely individualized is noted and it also
recognizes that many researchers view a homeopathic consultation in and of itself as a therapy.
The line of reasoning followed by researchers is to define the outcomes after a trial period
to analyze primary and secondary affects on both groups and any adverse reactions or tolerability.
The overall results indicate that homeopathic versus Prozac for mild to moderate depression is
about even, with no significant differences in side effect rates. In spite of limitations, the research
makes a compelling argument that homeopathic remedies are as helpful in relief of mild to
moderate depression as Prozac. The authors recommend further study.
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Findings used in “ Real Life” and What To Advise a Client on This Article
This article gives credence and confidence to those who suffer depression, who may not
want to be on pharmaceutical drugs or feel the myriad of side effects they can cause. The article
also gives a very interesting and easy to understand explanation of Q-potencies and the theory of
dilution in homeopathic dosing. It may help patients feel comfortable asking about homeopathic
options. Recommendations of further investigation before deciding would greatly benefit a patient.
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Final Paper HOM 501
References
Adler, U., Paiva, N., Cesar, A., Adler, M., Molina, A., Padula, A., & Calil, H. (2011). Homeopathic
Q-potencies versus fluoxetine for moderate to severe depression: double-blind, randomized noninferiority trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 2011. Doi:
10.1093/ecam/nep114