Neha Sharma
Warwick Research services, UK
Title: Randomized controlled Trial of Homeopathy for Panic Disorder
Biography
Biography: Neha Sharma
Abstract
Background: Panic disorder is one of the most disabling and costly disorders, which often unnecessary 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 and setting: Randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial conducted in 4 psychiatric clinics from May 2014 to April 2016.
Participants Two hundred thirty-two 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 Outcomes 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.