Aims and Objects

          The aims and objects of this paper are thought to be of value because of the fact that although thousands and thousands of cases of Schizophrenia have been studied by the psychologists and psychiatrists and have been reported accordingly in volumes of texts, there is practically no authentic paper in Homoeopathy upon this subject where the real analysis of the cases actually treated under direct observation in IPD of a hospital has been reported. This paper aims at presenting a brief analysis of 50 cases of the Schizophrenia treated only Homoeopathically in the IPD of the Central Research Institute (H), Kottayam, during the period 1988-90.

          The materials under this analytical report consists of 50 diagnosed cases of Schizophrenics by a team consisting of a Homoeopath/Clinician/psychologist and a psychiatrist as per (DSM-III) and treated in the Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy hospital at Kottayam, Kerala. Parameters adopted for selection of these cases have been rigidly followed in respect of the presence of the following factors (i) the age and mode of onset (ii) family history (iii) presence or absence of any traceable precipitant (iv) the symptoms syndrome with presence of (a) delusions, (b) hallucinations, (c) distortion of perception, conception and reaction to the stimulus (d) indifference towards self and the environment (e) flatness of mood and (f) prolonged duration of the illness.

          The cases under this study-report have been treated mostly on the principles of similia similibus and in potencies ranging from 30 to 10M of the indicated remedies. Very rarely the mother tincture of an indicated remedy was administered (especially Hyoscyamus) The parameters for the assessment of improvement are:

1. The term “Cure” is not used because of the indefinite prognosis depending upon the future reaction of the patient against unforeseen circumstances and lack of follow up.

2. “Excellent” improvement has been defined in terms of total absence of delusions, hallucinations and reactions with reversion towards the sociable character.

3. “Moderate” improvement has been used in cases where the indifference to self and environment has disappeared alongwith decrease or absence of hallucinations and partial relief from delusions.

4. “Mild” improvement where the above order is found in partial degree only but the general outlook, attitude and the reaction of the patient has positive improvement.

5. “Not improved”, where there has been no change at all in the complaints since the date of admission, till the end of treatment.

6. “Worse”, the term has been used in cases where the patient has progressed into severe catatonic stage like Schizophrenic stupor.

          The method adopted is the case study method/clinical method and is limited to the effects of the Homoeopathic treatment only.