Homeopathy is a promising, though under-recognized approach for the management of depression, especially in women.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 12 million women in the US experience clinical depression each year, with an estimated one in eight developing clinical depression over their lifetimes (National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiological Cachement Area Analysis 1999). Depressed women often experience guilt, anxiety, increased appetite and sleep, and weight gain, as well as eating disorders.
Many physicians and patients alike are rightly hesitant to turn to antidepressants such as Elavil, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft, because of disturbing side effects. In 10–30% of patients taking antidepressants, the condition is refractory. Some patients also experience recurrence in depression while taking the medication.
Homeopathy offers a safe and effective alternative to SSRIs and other medications. Jonathan Davidson, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at Duke University, conducted a small study of 12 adults with major depression, social phobia, and panic disorder and found that 60% responded favorably to homeopathic treatment (Davidson JR, et al. Altern Ther Health Med 1997 Jan; 3(1): 46–49).
For practitioners interested in trying homeopathy for depression, it is important to note there are numerous remedies to master in treating more complicated cases, especially when patients have severe emotional or mental disorders. It is best to start with patients who exhibit mild depression or acute grief.
In order to select the most effective remedy or similimum, it is essential to do a careful homeopathic intake. This can begin the moment you first greet a patient. Take time, incorporating all your senses, to note the patient’s demeanor on entering your office. Does she greet you warmly and attentively or does she avoid eye contact and stay at a distance? Take cues from a patient’s physical appearance. You can derive important insight from her outward appearance. Look for attention or lack thereof in terms of grooming, eyes swollen from a recent crying bout, deep or abnormally shallow breathing patterns. Each of these observations point to a different homeopathic remedy.
In conversation, allow the patient to lead the discussion to reveal the cause of grief and the most disturbing aspects. Follow with questions to elicit general information. Are there any physical symptoms? What activities make the patient feel better or worse? Does he or she prefer to be alone or with others? Once you gain a deeper sense of the patient’s experiences and circumstances, you can refer to a homeopathic Material Medica and consider the most commonly prescribed remedies for depression. These include:
Ignatia (St. Ignatius bean): This is most frequently prescribed immediately following grief, loss, or romantic break-up. Individuals may cry inconsolably, only stopping to take in a deep breath with a long sigh. Their moods may swing drastically with periodic laughter followed by crying episodes. The patients may also have intense headaches, spasms (especially in the back), tics, and twitches.
Natrum muriaticum (Salt): Commonly prescribed for grief or disappointment in relationships, Natrum muriaticum is helpful for those who tend to build up a wall, distancing themselves from others. They prefer not to discuss their feelings and rarely cry. These patients are often solitary, rarely going out and opting for sad music or reading. They may also have insomnia or headaches, especially debilitating migraines.
Aurum (Gold): Prescribed to individuals who show “alpha-type” personalities, Aurum is perfect for those who set high goals and expectations. When these people encounter a loss in these areas, they tend to enter a deep and intense depression coupled with possible suicidal inclinations or abuse of drugs and alcohol. Heart palpitations tend to interrupt sleep. These people may also experience right-sided headaches.
Sepia (Cuttlefish): More commonly prescribed for women, Sepia works well at times of hormonal change such as menstruation, menopause, miscarriage, pregnancy and postpartum. Patients might be overwhelmed with family demands and quickly become depressed or irritable, directing frustration at loved ones. They are prone to crying, and yearn for solitude or vigorous activity that improves their mood. Left-sided headaches may occur, accompanied by stomach upset or discomfort/discharge of the genitalia.
Phosphoric acid: This remedy provides the most relief to patients severely debilitated by depression, who cannot muster the strength to tend to simple tasks such as bathing and grooming. They spend much time in bed, with little outside communication. When conversing, their speech is slowed. They express physical and mental exhaustion, along with indifference. Draining conditions like mononucleosis, fluid loss, or grief following a relationship disappointment may all lead to this state.
Physicians interested in homeopathy should contact a professional homeopath for assistance. The aforementioned remedies are effective when taken daily in the 30th potency, 2–3 pellets, every four hours. A patient should experience a significant increase in positive feelings within two days. Once improvement is evident, the patient need not continue with the remedy unless symptoms return.
If there is no relief within an appropriate period, then the remedy needs to be changed. It is always helpful to consult practitioners who are familiar with the many nuances and variety of remedies. This is most imperative when dealing with cases of severe depression and patients are unable to lead a normal life or feel suicidal. The National Center for Homeopathy maintains an international directory which can be found on their website at www.homeopathy.org.
Dr. Lauri Grossman, a licensed chiropractor and homeopath, frequently speaks at Sloan Kettering-Memorial Cancer Center and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. She recently participated in the National Education Dialogue on Integration of Education for Complementary Alternative Medicine and Conventional Medicine Conference at Georgetown University. For more information on Dr. Grossman and the benefits of homeopathy, visit www.homeopathycafe.com.
