Clinical Research: Role of Phosphorus in the treatment of Paranoid Schizophrenia

Author: Dr. Jakir Hossain Laskar, PhD

Keywords: Phosphorus, paranoid schizophrenia, hallucinations, delusions

Abstract:

1. Purpose / Objective – i) An observational study was done to evaluate and ascertain the action of Phosphorus in management of paranoid schizophrenia.  

ii) To verify the effect of Phosphorus on hallucinations and delusions characterized in paranoid schizophrenia.

iii) To determine the usefulness of Phosphorus for the management of disorganized thinking and lack of interest in social activities along with suicidal thoughts manifested in paranoid schizophrenia.

iv) To assess the scope of Homeopathy in chronic psychiatric diseases.

• Methods and Materials – i) This was a prospective observational study of 45 paranoid schizophrenia patients, who took Homeopathy treatment at my private clinic in Kolkata from 2013 to 2018. The study was not funded by any institute or organization.

ii) Patient of both sexes between the age group of 20-50 years were selected for the prospective study.

iii) Inclusion Criteria – (a) The cases of paranoid schizophrenia have been considered only. (b) The cases in the age group of 20-50 years have been considered only. (c) The cases treated by Phosphorus have been considered only.

iv) Exclusion Criteria – (a) The cases of Catatonic Schizophrenia, Hebephrenic Schizophrenia, Residual Schizophrenia, Undifferentiated Schizophrenia, etc. were not considered for the study. (b) The cases of paranoid schizophrenia treated by other Homeopathic remedies were not considered.

v) Selection of Medicine – The investigator of the study took the cases, interviewed the patients and their relatives, and analyzed the cases in the proper case recording pro forma. The predefined medicine, Phosphorus 200, was administered.

vi) Prescription / Intervention – Phosphorus 200 were given in aqua distillata, once a day for 30 days.

Then the potency was increased gradually till 1M, 10M, 50M as per requirement of the respective cases. Higher potencies were administered once a week.

Arsenicum Album 30 was used as complementary medicine.

At the outset, the medicine was started as per the requirement of the cases. The same medicine, dose and potency were continued till the favourable satisfactory improvement of symptoms started flowing in. And according to the severity of the individual case, the frequency of the repetition of doses was decided by the investigator. In most of the cases, treatment process was of 12 months.

• Observations and Results – 45 patients, those who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were selected for the study. Out of which, 19 patients were male and 26 patients were female. 42 patients had completed the follow-up process and 3 patients did not turn up for treatment for unknown reasons. 16 male patients and 26 female patients completed the regimen of the treatment of 12 months with regular follow-up of 2 months. Total 27 patients showed remarkable improvement, hallucinations and delusions were almost gone, disorganized thinking got controlled, lack of motivation and lack of attention to hygiene managed considerably, they also started showing interest in social activities – social isolation managed. Most patients got relieved from suspiciousness and general fear of other’s intentions, their persistent unusual thoughts or beliefs were controlled subsequently. A significant decline in self-care along with withdrawing from family or friends, which were prime symptoms in paranoid schizophrenia were managed within 3-4 months. Those patients were not given medicine continuously but placebo was prescribed regularly and observation was noted. In the complete study period of 12 months, these 27 patients showed no relapse of symptoms and reported no adverse events.

Total 9 patients showed only partial improvement of less important symptoms. They had to be administered higher potencies and complementary medicine. In the complete study process, some of them experienced moderate improvement of symptoms. Rest of the sample population showed no sign of improvement at all.

• Conclusion – This study established the clinical efficacy of Homeopathic medicine in managing paranoid schizophrenia. From the above results and observations, it was concluded that Phosphorus hastens the curative process in chronic paranoid schizophrenia. No adverse effects were recorded when Homeopathic remedy Phosphorus was administered. It is concluded from the large percentage of symptomatic relief that Phosphorus is very much useful in treating the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia.

Though modern medicine in case of psychiatric diseases may offer palliative treatment with strong possibility of drug dependence, but Homeopathy through its unique approach can not only provide symptomatic relief but can also prevent further progress of the disease.

The outcome of this evidenced-bases study is encouraging, as it proves that Homeopathy can provide a safe and effective treatment in chronic psychiatric patients.