Efficacy of Homeopathic Medicines in Depressive Disorders: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Depressive disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, significantly impacting individuals’ quality of life. Conventional treatments, including antidepressants and psychotherapy, are effective but often associated with side effects and limitations. Homeopathy, a holistic system of medicine, offers individualized treatment approaches that may provide benefits with fewer adverse effects.

Objective: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy of individualized homeopathic treatment in patients diagnosed with depressive disorders.

Materials and Methods: Medical records of 70 patients aged 18–60 years, diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Dysthymia, and treated with homeopathy for at least three months between January 2020 and December 2024 were reviewed. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was used to assess depression severity before and after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests.

Results: The mean HDRS score significantly decreased from 24.5 ± 4.3 at baseline to 12.3 ± 3.7 after three months of homeopathic treatment (P < 0.001). Commonly prescribed remedies included Natrum muriaticum (n = 22), Ignatia amara (n = 18), Aurum metallicum (n = 16), and Sepia officinalis (n = 14).

Conclusion: Individualized homoeopathic treatment was associated with significant improvement in depressive symptoms, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapy in managing depressive disorders. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to substantiate these findings.