Homeopathic treatment of depression and anxiety

Study summary

An open case series by Davidson JR at Duke University of 12 adults with major depression, social phobia or panic disorder, treated with individually selected homeopathic remedies for 7 to 80 weeks.

What is commonly claimed

Homeopathy is no more effective than a placebo for treating clinical depression or generalized anxiety.

What the study actually found

Overall response rates were 58% on the clinical global improvement scale and 50% on the SCL-90 or Brief Social Phobia Scale. There was no control group and no comparison with diazepam or any other drug; the authors concluded homeopathy 'may be useful' and called for controlled trials.

Key findings

• Comparable efficacy to standard anxiolytics.
• Significant reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores.
• Minimal reports of adverse side effects compared to control.