Dr Veer Davinder Singh
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior, significantly impairing social and occupational functioning. This case report presents the successful homoeopathic management of a 39-year-old male suffering from schizophrenia for the past 15 years. Individualized homoeopathic treatment with Anacardium Orientale led to marked improvement in both positive and negative symptoms over a period of three months. The case highlights the holistic and long-term efficacy of homoeopathy in managing chronic psychiatric disorders.
KEY WORDS : Homoeopathy, Schizophrenia, Chronic mental illness, Anacardium Orientale, Individualized treatment
Introduction
Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder affecting approximately 1% of the global population. It manifests through symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, emotional blunting, social withdrawal, and cognitive impairment. The illness often follows a chronic course with relapses, profoundly affecting the quality of life of patients and their families.
Conventional psychiatric treatment primarily focuses on antipsychotic medications, which may offer symptomatic control but are frequently associated with adverse effects and poor long-term compliance. Homoeopathy, with its individualized and holistic approach, aims to treat the patient as a whole—addressing mental, emotional, and physical dimensions. This case report demonstrates the successful treatment of a chronic case of schizophrenia using Anacardium Orientale, a well-known remedy for disorders involving split personality, confusion, and lack of confidence.
Patient Details
- Name: Mr. X
- Age: 39 years
- Sex: Male
- Religion: Sikh
- Date of First Consultation: 20 February 2025
History of Present Illness
The patient had been suffering from schizophrenia for the past 15 years. The illness began insidiously with social withdrawal, irritability, and suspicion, gradually progressing to auditory hallucinations and delusional thoughts. He believed people were talking about him and trying to harm him. Over time, he developed marked emotional dullness, lack of motivation, poor concentration, and neglect of personal hygiene.
The patient was unable to maintain stable employment and became increasingly dependent on family members for daily functioning. His symptoms worsened during periods of stress, and he exhibited episodes of anger without provocation.
Treatment History
The patient had been on and off conventional antipsychotic medications for several years, which provided temporary relief but caused excessive drowsiness, weight gain, and emotional numbness. Due to these side effects and lack of sustained improvement, he discontinued treatment multiple times.
Family History
- Father: Hypertension
- Mother: Anxiety disorder
- Siblings: No known psychiatric illness
Physical Generals
- Appetite: Irregular, diminished
- Thirst: Moderate
- Sleep: Disturbed, non-refreshing
- Perspiration: Moderate
- Thermals: Chilly
- Stool: Tendency toward constipation
Mental Generals
- Emotional State: Marked lack of confidence, fear of failure, and feelings of worthlessness
- Thought Process: Confusion, difficulty in decision-making, suspiciousness
- Behavior: Social withdrawal, irritability, aversion to company
- Characteristic Feature: Sensation as if two wills were present—one urging, the other restraining (classic Anacardium symptom)
Totality of Symptoms
- Long-standing schizophrenia with delusions and hallucinations
- Confusion of mind and impaired judgment
- Marked lack of confidence and self-doubt
- Suspicious and irritable behavior
- Emotional blunting and social withdrawal
- Sensation of inner conflict (two wills)
Prescription and Follow-Up
Anacardium Orientale 200
- Dosage: One dose weekly
- Follow-Up: Monthly
Progress Over Three Months
- First Month: Reduction in irritability and improved sleep; hallucinations less frequent
- Second Month: Improved clarity of thought, reduced suspiciousness, and better interaction with family
- Third Month: Significant emotional stability, increased confidence, and improved daily functioning
Conclusion
This case demonstrates the effectiveness of individualized homoeopathic treatment in the management of chronic schizophrenia. Anacardium Orientale addressed the core mental pathology, leading to sustained improvement in both positive and negative symptoms without adverse effects. Homoeopathy thus offers a promising complementary and holistic approach in the long-term management of schizophrenia.
Homoeopathic Medicines Commonly Used in Schizophrenia
- Anacardium Orientale: Split personality, confusion, lack of confidence, cruelty
- Stramonium: Violence, fear, hallucinations, aggression
- Hyoscyamus: Suspiciousness, obscene behavior, jealousy
- Sulphur: Philosophical delusions, neglect of appearance
- Lachesis: Loquacity, jealousy, suspicion, intense emotions
Dr. Veer Davinder Singh
singhveerdavinder1996@gmail.com
Dr. Nalini Bhatheja drnalini12@gmail.com
COLLEGE- Sriganganagar homoeopathic medical college hospital and research institute,rajasthan
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