This research involved the holistic, individualized treatment of patients with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), employing homoeopathic medicine. Post traumatic stress disorder can lead to a variety of complications which may diminish or destroy interpersonal relationships, may handicap the patient occupationally or recreationally, or may lead to substance abuse. Research has indicated that patients with PTSD are more likely to have a personality disorder; a previous history of depression, abuse or substance abuse or a family history of psychopathology. Given this, it is presumed that PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced trauma and sufficient stress. In order to reduce post traumatic stress severity, treatment should emphasise and acknowledge that mental, emotional, behavioural and social factors contribute to trauma. This study involved ten patients (plus two additional) who participated in five homoeopathic consultations, over a period of four months. The appropriate homoeopathic remedy, or similimum, was determined using each patient’s distinguishing mental, emotional and physical symptoms. Each participant completed the Researcher’s Questionnaire at each consultation and recorded their stress episodes on a calendar to be handed in at each follow-up appointment. These results, together with holistic progress as noted by the researcher at every consultation, were used to determine the efficacy of homoeopathy on post traumatic stress disorder. The intent of the research was to prove that treatment should be specific and individualistic, irrespective of the diagnosis. This study aimed to provide a holistic therapy for PTSD and the results indicated that the similimum treatment in sufferers of post traumatic stress disorder was effective in reducing post traumatic stress frequency, severity, and intensity. Moreover, improvement in mental and emotional wellbeing, sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels were noted in all the patients. / Dr. R. Mistry Dr. A. Fourie
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:4340 |
| Date | 01 September 2008 |
| Creators | Lankesar, Yasmeen |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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