Category Archives: Psychiatry

Topics related to psychiatry and homeopathic treatment for psychiatric disorder will be posted under this category.

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ANAEMIA

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Anaemia can be defined as decreased haemoglobin counts or reduced red blood cell counts or reduced oxygen carrying capacity of blood, due to “loss of” or “abnormality of” red blood cells or haemoglobin.

Normal Heamoglobin Counts

  • 6 months to 5 years of age > 11g/dl
  • 5 years to 12 years of age > 11.5g/dl
  • 12years to 16 years of age > 12g/dl
  • Adult Females (non-pregnant) > 12g/dl
  • Adult Females (pregnant) > 11gm/dl
  • Adult Males > 13g/dl

CAUSES OF ANAEMIA

  • Blood losss
  • Excessive Red Blood Cell destruction
  • Heamoglobinopathies
  • Hypovitaminosis B12
  • Hypoferremia
  • Anaemia of Chronic diseases
  • Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
  • Inflamatory bowel diseases
  • Hypervolemia or water retention due to sodium or other salts.
  • Genetic hereditary conditions like Thalasemia
  • Certain cancers
  • Kidney diseases
  • Reduced erythropoetin production
  • Excessive RBC destruction
  • Impaired RBC production
  • Certain infections like malaria which causes RBC destruction.
  • Certain drugs which causes RBC destruction eg. Quinine causes chinchonism.
  • Bone Marrow lesions and pathologies
  • Etc.

CLASSIFICATION OF ANAEMIA

There are many types of anaemias. It can be broadly classified into 7 categories depending upon their causes

Anaemia due to

  1. Blood Loss
  2. Hemolysis
  3. Impaired or abnormal Erythropoesis
  4. Hypervolemia
  5. Chronic Diseases
  6. Nutritional deficiency

Based on RBC morphology it can be classified into 3 groups

  • Microcytic
  • Macrocytic
  • Normocytic

FEW COMMON and RARE TYPES OF ANAEMIA

  • Iron Deficiency Anaemia
  • Aplastic Anaemia
  • Megaloblastic Anaemia
  • Pernicious Anaemia
  • Sideroblastic Anaemia
  • Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome
  • Thalasemia
  • Fanconi Anaemia
  • Congenital Dyserythropoetic Anaemia
  • Daimond-Blacfan Anaemia
  • Myelopthisis
  • Anaemia of Prematurity
  • Erythroblastopenia or Pure Red Cell Aplasia
  • Hereditary Spherocytosis
  • Hereditary Elliptocytosis

SYMPTOMS

  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • In children it affects growth in general
  • Somnolence, Drowziness in day time
  • Disturbed sleep at night
  • Pallor, general pale appearance of skin, mucous membranes and eyes.
  • Dyspnoea on Exertion.
  • Reduced Immunity, tendency to catch infections and slow recovery and healing.
  • Bodyaches
  • Cyanosis in severe cases
  • Palpitations
  • Tachycardia
  • Low blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Depression
  • Craving for indigestible things , PICA
  • Cold clammy extremities
  • Oedematous swelling of extremities, dependent oedema
  • Angina or cardiac failure in severe cases
  • Will impact general growth and repair of all the vital organs and tissue of the body.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR ANAEMIA

Depending upon the cause of anaemia and general constitution of the patient, one of the following medicines may be called for duty by a homeopathic physician.

  • Ferrum Metallicum
  • Ferrum Phosphoricum
  • Cinchonna Officinalis
  • Natrum Muriatic um
  • Arsenicum Album
  • Abrotanum
  • Hamamelis Verginiana
  • Pulsatilla Nigricans
  • Janosia Ashoka
  • Crotalus Horridus
  • Lachesis
  • Acidum Phosphoricum
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT, Neurology, Psychiatry

DEMENTIA

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Dementia is a syndrome of cognitive deficits caused due to certain underlying disease conditions.

It characterised by weak memory, decreased ability to think, calculate, judge, reason, deterioration of language, difficulty in orientation of time and location, lack of initiative, emotional and behavioural problems.

CAUSES OF DEMENTIA

Dementia in most patients is secondary to one or more underlying conditions that affects Central Nervous System like certain –

  • Hereditary or Acquired Genetic Disorders
  • Autoimmune Conditions
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Vascular Diseases
  • Prions Disorders
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Injuries
  • Surgeries
  • Alcoholism
  • Drug addictions
  • Medications
  • etc.

Below mentioned are the most common diseases that shows symptoms of dementia.

  • Alzheimer’s Disease(60-80% of all cases)
  • Vascular Dementia(20% of all cases)
  • Fronto-Temporal Lobar Degeneration
  • Dementia with Lewy Body
  • Hutington’s Disease
  • Parkinson’s Disease

Of all the causes of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease is present in almost 60-80% of all the cases as the underlying cause of dementia, making it the most common cause of dementia. In many patients Alzheimer’s Disease co-exists with some other condition as underlying cause of dementia.

Depending upon the underlying cause and its stage of progression it may be either

  • Non-Progressive or Slow-progressive or Fast-progressive
  • Reversible or Irreversible

Presence of number of symptoms, its appearance, sequence and intensity depends upon the underlying causative disease condition.

More or less the overall picture of dementia remains the same in various diseases only weightage to different parameter like (recall, Orientation of Time and Place, Attention and Calculation, Registration, Recall, Repetition, Language, Complex Commands) of cognitive deterioration differs a bit in different diseases and different stages. This helps in rough clinical assessment of underlying condition.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

It is characterised by symptoms borne out of cognitive deficits

  • Forgetfulness especially recent events causing patient to misplace things and ask repeated questions, repeats phrases, difficulty in recalling names of objects or persons.
  • Decreased ability to think, making patient seem irrational in judging, reasoning concluding, taking decisions, initiatives
  • Lack of attention and difficulty in calculations makes it difficult for patient to maintain his finances.
  • Reduced vocubulary, causing deterioration in language.
  • Difficulty in orientation of time, directionality and location causing patient of getting lost frequently.
  • Difficulty in recognising and identifying objects due to lack of visuo-spatial articulation.
  • Tremors, difficulty in balancing.
  • Difficulty in eating especially swallowing needs liquid or thickened liquid diet.
  • Difficulty in daily routine, house keeping and self care.

All this above neurocognitive disorders results in emotional problems and low spirits and other neuro-psychiatric symptoms as mentioned below

Common Neuspychiatric symptoms of dementia are termed as “Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia -BPSD” listed below

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Agitation
  • Aggression
  • Restlessness
  • Impulsive
  • Elated
  • Sleep disorders
  • Delusions
  • Hallucinations
  • Disturbed Appetite
  • Lack of attention
  • Difficulty in problem solving

Initially symptoms are very difficult to notice and only close relative can judge or evaluate the signs and symptoms.

Over time these symptoms starts becoming more noticable as the patients condition starts deteriorating as the disease progresses.

The progression of disease is divided into four stages, where in, above mentioned symptoms gradually worsen in each progressive stage viz.

1)Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

  • Scores 27-30 on MMSE scale of cognition.
  • No one can notice easily untill patient is evaluated.
  • Impairement is not so severe so as to interfere persons Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
  • At this stage patient is not termed as dementia patient its more of a prodromal phase
  • Not all but most of these patient deteriorate in cognitive deficits and progress in to Early Stage Dementia

2)Early Stage Dementia

  • Scores 20-25 on MMSE scale of cognition.
  • Only close relatives and caretaker can notice the signs and symptoms.
  • Difficulty in complex activity and comands.
  • Signs and symptoms depends much upon the underlying disease, that which symptom will be more pronounced. Eg. In dementia of Alzheimer’s Disease the memory related symptoms will be more pronounced in first stage while in dementia with lewy bodies and frontotemporal difficulty in organisation and planning will be more pronounced.

3)Mid Stage Dementia (or Moderate)

  • Score on MMSE scale 6-17.
  • Now the symptoms are noticable to everyone.
  • Gets confused in unfamiliar place.
  • Can do only simple work much difficulty in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living(IADLS).
  • Needs frequent reminders for everything
  • At these stage they have started becoming dependent and cant be left alone.

4)Late Stage Dementia (or Severe)

  • Sore on MMSE scale below 6.
  • Cannot do even Basic Activities of Daily Living(basicADLS)
  • Requires full-time assistance and become completely dependent cannot be left alone.
  • Patient cant easily recognise even close relative.
  • Tremors and loss of balance, may fall and injure themself.
  • Difficulty in identifying and handling objects in this case they might accidentally injury themself by misshandling objects.
  • Difficulty in eating espescially in swallowing, liquid or thickened liquid diet is prefered.
  • Cannot retain urine or stools and requires assistance in toilet hyegine.
  • Issues with appetite, sleep and behaviour.

DIAGNOSIS

COGNITION TESTS

There are many patient based/caretaker based/ combination of patient cum caretaker based questionaire tests designed to evaluate cognitive skills of patient.

These tests helps us to evaluate different parameters of cognitive skills like

  • Memory Recall
  • Orientation of Time
  • Orientation of Place
  • Attention
  • Calculation
  • Registration
  • Repetition
  • Language
  • Complex Commands
  • Etc

Based on the score weightage of different parameters and the total score we can not only assess the grading and stage of the condition but also it gives rough differentiation on probable underlying disease that has caused dementia. Accordingly we can determine if any further investigations are required to diagnose the underlying disease.

Every tests has its own pros and cons and specificity and sensitivity. So more than one of the following test may be called in if required.

Patient Specific Tests

  • MMSE – Mini Mental State Examination
  • 3MS – Modified Mini Mental State Examinations
  • AMTS – Abreviated Mental Test Score
  • CASI – Cognitive Abilities Assessment Instrument
  • MoCA – Montreal Cognitive Assessment
  • Trail Making Tests

Questionaires for Caretakers Relatives and other informants

  • IQCODE – Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly

Combination of Patient specific and informant specific questionaires test

  • General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition

LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS

  • Blood tests to rule out any other anomalies like and vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, electrlyte imbalances, infections that may potentially show similar symptoms.
  • MRI, CT, PIB-PET, DTBZ-PET, helps diagnose some of the disease that are know to cause dementia.
  • Brain Biopsy to confirm the doubted underlying disease condition.
  • CSF analysis.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR DEMENTIA

  • LACHESIS
  • HYOCYAMUS NIGER
  • GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS
  • ANACARDIUM ORIENTALE
  • BACOPA MONNEIRI
  • OPIUM
  • CANABIS INDICA
  • BELLADONNA
  • BAPTISIA TINCTORIA
  • TERRENTULA HISPANICA
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT, Neurology, Psychiatry

INSOMNIA – Sleep Management Schedule – Get Rid Of Sleeping Pills

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Sleep Management schedule is designed to help insomnia patients who have difficulty in falling asleep or difficulty in maintaining state of sleep. It helps to avoid sleeping pills and to  tapper down the dose of sleeping pills and stop it completely in those who are already on sleeping pills. In complicated cases Homeopathic remedies may be required in conjunction with this sleep management schedule as a supportive measure.

FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING SLEEP MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR 2-10 DAYS AND RESTORE YOUR SLEEP CYCLE WITHOUT ANY MEDICINES!

SLEEP MANAGEMENT SCHEDULE

  • We only need to fix the time of waking up and let the body decide the sleeping time then!
  • Set an alarm 15 minutes earlier than your usual time at which you wake up every morning, regardless of what time you had went to sleep at night.
  • Step out of bed as soon as you wake up in morning.
  • Morning walk is beneficial, if you do not have time in morning, make it in evening before sunset.
  • Have nutritious breakfast in morning.
  • Have curds after Lunch.
  • Do not sleep in day time, regardless of wether you have slept at night or not.
  • Do not miss evening snacks.
  • Stop all stimulants and caffeinated drinks after 5pm.
  • Dinner should be not too heavy nor too light, just filling.
  • Dinner should be taken ideally 1 hour before desired time to sleep after which one can go for a stroll outside for 10-15minutes.
  • Make sure all the meals you have throughout the day are not spicy, oily or made up of maida or bakery products.
  • Have a mix of papaya and pineapple 200gms approx after meals. Pineapple helps balance out serotonine levels and this induce sleep and papaya helps to mellow down the hyperacidity forming tendency of pineapple also both of them are rich in fibres. Pineapple has soluble and insoluble fibres and papaya has lots of soluble fibres so mixing both gives you blend of both soluble and insoluble fibres thus helping digestion as well, giving lighter feeling to stomach throughout the night.
  • One should not lie down atleast 1 hour after any meal.
  • Consume 2 liters of water throughout the day and stop water intake 1 hour prior to desired time to sleep.
  • Stop watching bright screens like television, mobile and laptop screens or listening to loud music atleast 2 hours prior to desired time to sleep.
  • Make sure you have bed and room exclusively meant for sleeping, the room should be completely silent and dark if not then change to thicker curtains to prevent outside light entering your room and thicker window glass to prevent outside noise entering your bedroom.
  • We spend 1/3rd of our life sleeping on bed, so make sure its absolutely comfortable, your pillow, mattress, bedsheet etc. change them to new if you find them uncomfortable.
  • Don’t do any activity like reading, writting listening music etc on bed excpet sleeping, bed should be used exclusively to sleep, during the course of sleep management, so that by the end of this course the brain gets trained to feel sleepy soon, on the touch and feel of bed.
  • Do not enter bed untill you are feeling too sleepy.
  • Even after entering bed if you are not able to fall asleep then try keeping all your neck shoulder and  facial muscles relaxed while attempting to sleep.
  •  Do not try too hard to fall asleep, rather get out of the bed and involve yourself into small activity which doesn’t consume much of time eg. reading a small news papper article is recomended but not the novel. Enter bed again soon after you start feeling sleepy.
  • Certain fragrances are known to help induce sleep, I recomend lavender oil. Mix lavender oil with coconut oil in ratio of 1:10 and then can be applied on scalp, or alternatively, lavender oil can be applied on handkerchief and placed near or beneath head while sleeping as its known to calm mind and induce sleep.
  • A cup of warm milk before bed with very little quantity of jaifal and turmeric boiled in it, helps to induce sleep.
  • Get your Serum Vitamin B12 and Iron levels tested and start suppliments if the levels are depleted.

Usually results are expected within 2-10 days but in cases those who are not finding results and your sleep cycle is not restored then along with above sleep management schedule you can go for homeopathic supportive medicines under advise of registered homeopathic practitioner.

COMMONLY USED HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR INSOMNIA

  • PASSIFLORA INCARNATA
  • KALIUM PHOSPHORICUM
  • FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM
  • NUX MOSCHATA
  • COFFEA CRUDA
Endocrinology, Gynaecology, HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT, Psychiatry

PRE MENSTRUAL SYNDROME PMS

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Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) and role of Homeopathy

In many traditional cultures, the time of menstrual flow is considered as a period of cleaning and regeneration.

Most women live in dread of their monthly cycle.

If menstruation is a natural event, then why is it seen that most of women have health issues with their cycles?

The menstrual flow is regulated by a complex interaction of hormones. There are 3 phases of cycle. Average cycle is of 28 days.

You probably get some signs that your periods are appearing. For most women its not a big deal, but for others, the days before periods are harder which may interfere with your daily life. Then probably you are suffering from PMS.

PMS affects 75% of women especially in thier 20’s or 30’s.

WHAT IS PRE MENSTRUAL SYNDROME?

Pre Menstrual Syndrome is a constellation of symptoms both physical, emotional and behavioral which may affect women during certain days of mentrual cycle, generally just before her menses.

It usually affect most of the menstruating women.
It starts from 5 to 10 days before menses and typically goes away once menstruation begins.

CAUSES OF PRE MENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Exactly what causes PMS is unknown, but several factors may be considered which influence Pre menstrual syndrome.

HORMONAL CHANGES
Signs and symptoms of PMS change with hormonal fluctuations and disappear during pregnancy or menopause.

DEPRESSION
Some women with severe PMS have undiagnosed depression , anxiety, stress or history of mood disorders, emotional trauma.

FAMILY HISTORY
Family history of PMS may be one of the cause.

Fluctuations of serotonin, that is thoght to play a crucial role in mood states that could trigger PMS.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PRE MENSTRUAL SYNDROME:

Variety of symptoms have been attributed to Pre menstrual syndrome.

Women can have pre menstrual symptom of varying duration and severity from cycle to cycle.
The most frequent mood related symtoms of Pre menstrual emotional symptoms includes

  • Exaggerated mood swings
  • Anger and irritability
  • Tension
  • Depression
  • Overensitivity

Physical symptoms includes

  • Fatigue.
  • Bloating.
  • Weight gain.
  • Breast tenderness.
  • Acne.
  • Nausea, vomiting.
  • Diarrhoea.
  • Sleep disturbances.

The duration of Pre menstrual symptoms varies among women. Most women experience the symptoms for a few to several days prior to onset of their menses. PMS usually starts after ovulation, mid of the montly menstrual cycle, or jus few days before cycle.

DIAGNOSIS OF PRE MENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Pre menstrual syndrome is diagnosed based on the physical, emotional amd behavioral symptoms. If the changes occur consistently around mid menstrual cycle and persists until the menstrual flow begins, then PMS is probably the accurate diagnosis.

ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY IN PRE MENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Homoeopathic Medicines have a very beneficial role in Pre Menstrual Syndrome PMS. They aim at correcting the underlying imbalances that lead to PMS. Homoeopathic treatment is based on detailed case study of the patient.
Few indicated Homeopathic remedies are.;

PULSATILLA NIGRICANS

Pulsatilla is indicated in pre menstrual syndrome. It is of great help for women with increased sensitivity towards pre menstrual syndrome. They have weeping tendency, tearfull eye, very sensitive and mild.
Open air makes them feel good. They have complaints of suppressed or delayed menses. Total absence of thirst. Tendency to gain weight before menses with headache, nausea and dizziness.

SEPIA

Sepia is indicated homeopathic medicine for pre menstrual syndrome. The patient presents mainly with irritability pre menstrual syndrome. There is aversion to indulge in physical or mental activity. Marked indifference. Extreme anger. Bearing down sensation, with bearing down pain in the uterus. Oily skin with acne before menses.

SILICEA

Silicea is one of the indicated remedy in pre menstrual syndrome. Indicated in case of extreme constipation before menses. They have great difficulty in passing stool. Stool receeds back after being partially expellled. She is mild, yielding with irritability and sadness before and during menstruation.

NATRUM MURIATICUM

Natrum mur is indicated in case of pre menstrual syndrome where the patient presents with depression, indifference, lack of self confidence, anxiety, suicidal tendency before or during menses. Presents with headache before menses.Tenderness and swelling of breasts with palpitation.

PHOSPHOROUS

Phosphorous is indicated in women who suffer from pre menstrual syndrome. There is great irritability, difficulty in concentrating. Indecesive, anxiety. Hot flushes on face. Swelling of face. Buring pain in vagina. Tendency to put on weight during menses. Tenderness in breast and nipples.

CALCAREA CARBONICUM

Calcarea carb is indicated in case of premenstrual syndrome. There is marked irritability, panic attacks, apprehension, anxiety. Headache and dizziness before periods,pain in the back and thighs.

LACHESIS

Indicated in pre menstrual syndrome, presents with marked irritability before menses. Suspicious, mistrustful

EASING THE SYMPTOMS OF PRE MENSTRUAL SYNDROME :

  • Eat balanced diet to improve your overall health and energy level.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Reduce oily, fatty food, and intake of salt and sugar.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to ease abdominal bloating.
  • Good quality sleep. Sleep atleast 7 to 8 hours to reduce fatigue.
  • Reduce stress.
  • Regular excercise to decrease bloating and improve mental health as well.
Endocrinology, Gynaecology, HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT, Psychiatry

MENOPAUSE

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Menopause and Climacteric age related complaints and its management with Homeopathic Medicines.

Women tend to put everyone else’s need first when it comes to health concerns but sometimes the care taker needs a little care herself.
Homeopathy addresses a wide range of womens health issues, most important among them is MENOPAUSE.

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

Menopause can be defined as the point in time when menstrual cycles permanently cease due to natural depletion of ovarian oocytes due to aging.

The diagnosis is made retrospectively after the women has missed her periods for 12 consecutive months.
It marks the permanent end of fertility.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE

Some women may experience few or no symptoms of menopause while others experience multiple physical and psychological symptoms.
So it is imortant to remember each womens experience is highly individualistic.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS DURING MENOPAUSE

HOT FLUSHES

Hot flushes are sudden feeling of heat. Hot flushes are common among women undergoing menopause. They usually last for 30 seconds to several minutes. Hot flushes are usually due to hormonal fluctuations. They experience sweating, palpitation, flushing of face.
Hot flushes start usually few months or years before your period stops and usually continues for several years after your last period.

How can one deal with Hot flushes?

  • If u feel flush coming on, spray your face with cold water.
  • Keep the room cooler.
  • Sip cold or iced drinks.
  • Have luke warm shower.

MOOD SWINGS

Changes in hormone production affect the mood of women during menopause. They present with feelings of irritability, depression, mood swings.

VAGINAL DRYNESS

The decreased production of hormones can affect the thin layer of vaginal wall, may also present with itching around the vulva.

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Lower level of hormones cause changes in the urinary tract, makes them more susceptible to infections.

SKIN AND HAIR CHANGES

Due to reduced level of hormones hair may become dry brittle causing loss of hair.Due to aging there may be dryness of skin and loss of elasticity.

INSOMNIA

During menopause it might be hard to fall asleep.
It is important to try some relaxation/breathing techniques and excercise which helps the patient to overcome insomnia.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT FOR MENOPAUSAL SYNDROME

Although menopause is a naturally occuring phase of life, this doesnt mean that you have to suffer while it lasts.
Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine that treats the patient on the basis of individualisation where your physical as well as emotional smptoms are equally important.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS FOR MENOPAUSE

PUSATILLA NIGRICANS

Pulsatilla is most often indicated in menopausal women who are very sensitive, emotionally weak, weeping tendency, mild and yielding. She feels better from reassurance. The hot flushes are worse in warm room and better out in fresh open air. Pulsatilla patient is usually hot and thirstless. History of difficult periods and pre menstrual symptoms.

SEPIA

Sepia is indicated in case of menopause. Patient presents with hot flushes that are associated with weakness increased perspiration, feeling of heat usually ascending upwards. Emotionally sensitive.

GRAPHITES

Graphitis is indicated in women who are chilly, pale, sluggish. Tendency towards weight gain during or after menopause. Hot flushes and sweats at night are often seen. Tendency towards skin problems with oozing cracked erruptions.

NATRUM MURIATICUM

Natrum muriaticum is indicated in women who seem to be very reserved. Has strong emotions which she hides. Indicated in case of hot flushes, irritability, mood swings. Craving for salt. Sun headache.

LACHESIS

Lachesis patient typically experiences flushes of heat primarily on falling asleep, throughout night or while waking. The most intense hot flushes happen without any perspiration, dry heat. One of the most common remedies used in hot flushes.

SULPHUR

Sulphur is often helpful for hot flushes during menopause. Very anxious.
Weeps and worries about her health.

IGNATIA AMARA

Ignatia is often helpful for emotional ups and downs occuring during menopause. The women is very sensitive,
Hysterical, moody. She tries to hide her feelings and becomes defensive. Tendency to sigh, outbursts of tears or laughter are strong indications of Ignatia.

STAPHYSAGRIA

Staphysagria women is usually mild, mannered , shy and accomodating and has many suppressed emotions. Women around time of menopause become very depressed or have outbursts of rage.

CALCAREA CARBONICA

Calcarea carb is indicated in women with heavy bleeding, night sweats, flushing of face despite general chilliness. Weight gain during menopause.

GLONOINUM

A women needing this remedy often has hot flushes that are sudden violent and with upward rush of blood to head causing severe headache, palpitations, cannot bear least jar of motion.

SOME USEFUL ADVICE TO BE FOLLWED DURING MENOPAUSE

There are number of ways you can ease the stress of Menopause through self care.

Keep track of when you feel discomfort whether physical or emotional. Practice Yoga or excercise which will help you to reduce the intensity of complaints.

Being kind to yourself is truly important at this point of life. Make some time for yourself, do things which intrests you.

Pay attention to your diet and water intake. Increase intake of fresh veggies and fruits which will help to strenghten your immune system and help to cope with the stress of changes in the body.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT, Psychiatry

OCD OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

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OCD- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a type of Mental health disorder which involves unwanted distressing obssesive thoughts and repeatative compulsive mental or physical acts.

FACTS ABOUT OCD ..!!

It can begin at an early age between 7 to 12.

It is the 4th most common Mental Illness after Phobias, Depression, Substance Abuse.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is more common in boys than girls in childhood but into later stages women are more affected than men.

It has a significant impact on social life.

PROBABLE CAUSES OF OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER OCD

Dysregulation of serotonin leads to symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive disorder

35% of 1st degree relative suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Genetically monozygotic twins are more prone to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Depression or anxiety may be one of the probable causes.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA OF OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER OCD

Usually OCD is diagnosed by identifying the situations causing obsessions and compulsions.

COMMON OBSESSIONS INCLUDES.

  • Excessive, persistent thoughts,
  • Impulses or images experienced at some time of disturbance causes anxiety and distress.
  • Obsessions like fear of contamination from dirt or germs.
  • Perfectionism including concerns about exactness, needing to remember things and has fear of losing things.
  • Religious obssesions including concerns about offending God.

COMMON COMPULSIONS INCLUDES.

  • Repeatative behavior like washing hands many times in a row.
  • Repeatative checking on a locked door, light switch, counting, praying.
  • They do a task in a specific order everytime.

HOMEOPATHIC APPROACH IN OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER OCD

Homeopathic medicines are selected on the basis of detailed case analysis and individualised approach in each case.

Homeopathic treatment along with proper counselling and advise and reassurance have definately a positive impact on the patient.

INDICATED HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR OCD -Homeopathic Theraputics For OCD

ARSENIC ALBUM

Arsenic album is indicated in case of Obssesive compulsive disorder where the patient has persistent thoughts of death, fear of germs, robbers. Repeated washing of hands because of fear of illness. Persistent fear of death, thinks that there is no use of taking any medication or treatment. Very fastidious, wants everything neat and clean. There is extreme restlessness and anxiety.

CALCAREA CARBONICA

Calcarea carb is indicated in case of Obssessive compulsive disorder. They have common fear of going insane, fear of heights ,fear of ghosts, spirits, natural disasters. They are very organised, pleasant and hard working. They are very obssesed with cleanliness. Extreme anxiety, slugishness lack of confidence.

NATRUM MURIATICUM

Natrum muriaticum is indicated in patients of obsessive compulsive disorder who are obessed with idea that the thieves may strike and have the habit of repeatedly checking the locks of doors. They are so obsessed that they have dreams of thieves in the house and wake up to check the doors again.

CARCINOSIN

Carcinosin is indicated in patients who are very much fastidious, concerned about cleanliness. They always follow a specific pattern in placing things. They are always well dressed neat and tidy. They want everything in a proper colour combination too. They want perfection in every work they do.

SYPHILLINUM

Syphillinum is one of the indicated remedy for patients with obsesive compulsive disorder, who have a compulsive habit of washing hands repeatedly. They have fear of contamination.

MEDORRHINUM

Medorrhinum is indicated in case of Obssesive compulsive disorder. Patient feels that germs are present on each and every object. So they have a habit of washing hands at every short intervals. Fear of dark. Anticipation anxiety is usually present.

OPIUM

Opium is indicated in case of obssesive compulsive disorder. The patient has a history of narcotics. Yielding disposition. They do not process grief well. Fear of contamination., frightful dreams, fancies. Delirious talking. Sleepy but cannot sleep. Depression. Painlessness with sluggishness.

SILICEA

Silicea is indicated in case of obsessive compulsive disorder. Silicea is a very mild yielding patient. They have persistent thoughts of pins, also called as pin mania. They have fear of pins but have habit of collecting and counting pins. They have fixed thoughts and ideas. They are Fearful and anxious.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT, Psychiatry

SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

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Social Anxiety Disorder and Homeopathic treatment approach with Homeopathic Theraputics.

Anxiety is a general term for certain disorders that cause nervousness, fear,
apprehension and worrying.

Anxiety is closely related to an individuls needs and motives. So if the essential needs linked with affections, security, self esteem, achievement and freedom are not satisfactorily gratified, it may give rise to feeling of excessive anxiety.

WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER?

Social Anxiety Disorder is the most common anxiety disorder.
it is also known as Social Phobia.
Social Phobia is a irrational fear that produces a concious aboidance of feared subject, activity and situation.

INCIDENCE OF SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

Social Anxiety Disorder is known to appear at an early age in most of the cases, developed by the age of 11 and in some cases by age of 20.

It is a serious mental health disorder in India with an incidence of 2.79%.

WHAT CAUSES SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER?

It is usually seen that there is greater risk of having social phobia if there is a positive family history.

The development of social anxiety disorder may occur from humiliating or embarassing social experience can be a trigger to social phobia.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

A person with Social Anxiety Disorder is afraid that he or she will make mistakes, look bad and will be embarrased or humiliated infront of others.

The fear may be worse by lack of social skills or experience in social situations.

They suffer from distorted thinking including false beliefs about social situations and negative opinion of others.

Social anxiety disorder negatively interferes with the persons normal daily routine including school, work, social activities.

These patients presents with physiological symptoms such as excessive sweating, difficult breathing, palpitations.

Blushing and shyness is also exhibited by most of the individuals.

Social Anxiety shows a high degree of co occurance with other psychiatric disorders.

SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT APPROACH AND HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES 

Rate of anxiety disorder is increasing with change in lifestyle where people are subjected to various stress.

Mental or pyschiatric diseases are more troublesome to a patient in comparision with physical disorders.

Homeopathy not only reduces anxiety but also makes the individual feel better in other areas of functioning as well.

INDICATED HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES WITH THERAPUTICS FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

ACONITE

Aconite is one of the most indicated medicine for Social anxiety disorder. The patient presents with social anxiety, palpitations, trembling, nervousness. Fear appearing in public. They avoid going in social events, crossing streets full of people.

ARSENIC ALBUM

Arsenic album is indicated in Social anxiety disorder. Presents with anticipation, anxiety, dread appearing in public. Social anxiety with depression. Presents with symptoms of indigestion and dirrhoea along with anxiety. They are very restless and fastidious. Great fear of death. And anxiety about health.

ARGENTUM NITRICUM

Argentum nitricum is indicated remedy in case of social phobia where the patient presents with grear anticipatory anxiety. Dread appearing in public, fear, anxiety, anticiaption before appearing a public event. Lack of confidence, examination and stage fear.

AMBRA GRESIA

Ambra gresia is indicated in case of social anxiety disorder. Patients have intense fear of appearing in public. They feel embarrassed. They havr fear and cannot perform any activity infront of others. Presents with blushing, nervousness and palpitation.

CALCAREA CARBONICA

Calcarea carbonica is one of the indicated remedy for social anxiety disorder. They are very mild, yielding ,lack of confidence, highly dependable. Their thoughts are confused when tired which adds to anxiety. Unknown fear, confused thoughts. Extremely chilly, slightest cold goes right through them. Presents with physical complaints like increased perspiration, palpitation.

IGNATIA AMARA

Ignatia is indicated in social anxiety. Very sensitive, mild and anxious person. Anxiousness due to grief, loss of loved one, disappointments, stressfull emotional experience, frequent mood swings. Presents with extreme anxiety, mood swings, lack of confidence , fear appearing in public, facing social gathering. They burst unexpectedly into tears and laughter.

NATRUM MURIATICUM

Indicated in case of social anxiety disorder. They are peronally aloof but have a social conscience and desire to help others. Even when lonely they tend to stay away from social situations, lack of confidence. Easily offended, constant brooding.

GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS

Gelsemium patient suffer from performance anxiety.,exam fear.,stage fear. Any exertion leads to trembling of muscles, trembling of hands, knock knee. They have persistent anxiety, anxiousness to appear in a social gathering. Present with diarrhoea before an occasion.

LYCOPODIUM

Lycopodium is indicated in Social anxiety disorder. Usually lycopodium patient lacks self confidence and is fearful appearing in public and speaking in public, stage fear, very coward. The person as intense anxiety with nervous breakdown. There is stammering and confusion of thoughts.

SILICEA

Indicated in case of social anxiety disorder. Silicea patient is very mild, yielding, sensitive. Anxiety nervousness when appearing a social gathering and events where they require public interaction, they anticipate failure in such situations.

Endocrinology, Genetic Disorders, HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT, Metabolic Disorders, Nutrition, Psychiatry, Weight Management

OBESITY

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Obesity has reached at pandemic levels and has become a subject of concern as it is directly related to many diseases.

As obesity is directly associated with many diseases, so it needs to be studied properly in all its dimensions so as to prevent it, treat it and also to understand all the underlying factors related.

Diagnostic Measurements and Evaluation Methods for Level of Obesity

To measure fat ratio in our body there are many highly technical ways but clinically feasible and practical are the following 3 ways which are widely used.

  1. BMI – Body Mass Index, where the body weight is related with height BMI=Body Mass/ (Body Height)². It is measured as kg/m². BMI of 18.5 to 25kg/m² is considered to be normal, below 18.5kg/m² underweight, 27-30kg/m² overweight, above 30kg/m² Obese. In general a subject having BMI above  27kg/m² and below 18.5 kg/m² is considered to be at health risk.
  2. Various Circumferences of body and their relation and ratio with each other, especially waist to hip circumference ratio. Distribution of fat also determines the risk factor as it is observed that central or visceral obesity where fat accumulates in belly around abdominal organs and on trunk is observed to have more health risk compared to diffused subcutaneous fat accumulation.
  3. Skin Fold Measurement is also one of the ways to measure fat proportion. This method which gives us better idea about subcutaneous fats. Skinfold measurement when taken along with the other two above mentioned methods gives us a better comparative ratios and evaluation of body fat measurements.

Risk Factors of Obesity

Not only genetics but also environment plays a major role e.g. Its observed that Asian shifting to USA (the obesity capital of world), ratio wise more tend to become obese compared to their counterparts in their country.

Few of the risk factors are mentioned below

  • Genetics and familial predesposition
  • Enviroment and staple food of the region
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Irregular sleep pattern
  • lrregular meal pattern
  • Low protein intake
  • High carbohydrate and sugar intake
  • Certain Metabolic Disorders
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • PCOS polycystic ovarian disease
  • Certain Medications
  • Certain Psychiatric Eating Disorders
  • Bigorexia/muscle dysmorphia
  • Body Dismorphic Disorder
  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Orthoxia nervosa
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Night Eating Syndrome
  • Certain injuries deformities and disabilities that makes patient immobile which causes weight gain.

Pathophysiology of Obesity

To simplyfy the understanding of causation of obesity; which otherwise is too complicated to comprehend with a single article; I have explained it in a broader sense and summarised its essense as follows:

“Obesity is the disease of low energy utilisation compared to intake!”

“When the intake of energy exceeds its utilisation, it then get converted into triglycerides and is stored in adipose tissues causing obesity”

There are many factors that are responsible for obesity but the recent research has come up with an interesting mind boggling study of one of such factor that is the molecule Leptin.

Leptin and Ghrelin with other endocrinal molecules controls Appetite and Satiety centers through hypothalamus. Is a complex Hypothalamo-pitutary-endocrinal axis that is inovolved in the mechanism.

Of all the other various factors, Leptin needs a special reference and attention when it comes to obesity. As Leptin not only controls Apetite but also controls Thermogenesis and other Catabolic processes.

Role of Leptin in Apetite Control

Adipocytes communicate with satiety centers present in hypothalamus by secreting a polypeptide called Leptin. The levels of Leptin are determined by the amount of fat stores in the body. Leptin interacts with the hypothalamus by attaching to Leptin receptors.

When Lateral Hypothalamus(LH) is stimulated it increases appetite and vice a versa.

When Venteromedial Hypothalamus(VMH) is stimulated it creates satiety and vice a versa.

Level of Leptin and its relation with certain appetite controling molecules through Stimulation or inhibition of LH and VMH is as follows:

  • Inversely proportional to a powerful appetite stimulators like Neuropeptide Y(NPY) and Agouti Related Peptide(AgRP). Resultant Stimulating LH and Inhibiting VMH
  • Directly proportional to powerful appetite inhibitors like Glucagon Like Peptide-1(GLP-1), Pro-opiomelanocortin(POMT) and Cocaine and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript(CART). Resultant Stimulating VMH and inhibiting LH

Role of Leptin in Catabolic Processes.

Leptin receptor stimulation increases

  • Energy expenditure
  • Physical activity
  • Thermogenesis(heat production)

Role of leptin in Energy Expenditure, Physical Activity and Thermogenesis

  • Stimulation of leptin receptors in hypothalamus stimulates secretion of Norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve endings in adipose tissue.
  • This stimulates β3-adrenergic receptors expressed by fat cells which results into hydrolysis of fatty acids.
  • This results into release of energy which is dissipated in the form of heat.

Also there are other catabolic effects of leptin which are mediated through Hypothalamo-Pitutary axis which goes through the channel of endocrinal system by stimulating endocrinal glands.

Deletion or SNP of Leptin producing gene causes leptin deficiency resulting into extreme obesity.

Complications and Diseases Associated with Obesity

Obesity complicates almost all the diseases and precipitates many life threatening chronic diseases.

Few of them which needs special reference are

  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gout
  • Lumbar spondylodis
  • Sciatica
  • Meralgia Paraesthetica
  • Artherosclerosis
  • Hypertriglyceridemia
  • Hypercholestrolemia
  • Low HDL
  • Cardiomegaly
  • Congestive Cardiac Failure
  • Ischemic Heart Diseases
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism
  • Fatty Liver
  • Cholelithiasis
  • Hypoventilation syndrome
  • PCOS
  • Infertility
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Hypogonadism
  • Burried male genitals
  • Depression
  • Certain Cancers

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICNES AND MANAGEMENT FOR OBESITY

To Lose Weight in obese patient who wants to reduce weight it is necessary to rule out all the pathological factors which may be responsible for obesity and if any found then first the underlying abnormalities needs to be treated first.

Each case preferably needs to be individualised properly as per homoeopathic principles for medicine selection, to yield best results of homoeopathic medicines.

Though , there are some generally used common homoeopathic medicines to lose weight which I have simplified to select by providing basic guidelines which are hard to fail in most of the cases,

  1. Phytolacca Berry well proven homoeopathic medicine for weightloss in general.
  2. Fucus Vesiculosus compliments well to phytolacca berry and when both given intermittently during weightloss treatment works wonders.
  3. Calcarea Carbonica Generalised obesity, for fair, fat and flabby women especially in their forties, mentally and physically sluggish , well suited to women with thyroid disorders.
  4. Thuja Occidentalis obesity due to excessive hunger and abnormally high appetite.
  5. Ignetia Amara obesity in females due to depressing emotion and PCOS.
  6. Thyroidinum obesity due to thyroid disorder
  7. Sepia obesity in female do to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  8. Iodium obesity due to disorder in thyroid glands
  9. Bromium obesity due to disorder in thyroid gland
  10.  Nux Vomica for weight gain due to sedentary lifestyle, irregular dietary habbits, irregular routine, lack of sleep, typical central obesity.

Weight Management

  • To lose weight a person needs to keep strict control on his diet and need to do exercise on regular basis along with medicines for faster and better results.
  • One needs to keep check that he doesnt lose muscle mass in the process
  • I recomend to completely stop sugar and jaggery
  • Oil and Ghee not more than 1-2 tsp throughout the day
  • Increase protien intake as per intensity of workout
  • Increase fiber intake in form of salads and fruits that are not too sweet
  • 4-5 small meals throughout the day
  • Ample of water throughout the day
  • 1 hour yoga or brisk walk
  • Intense workout under professional guidance for those wants to achieve subnormal so called ripoed and defined body.
  • Atleast 7 hours of continious sleep at a stretch is recomended.
Endocrinology, Gastroentrology, HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT, Metabolic Disorders, Nutrition, Psychiatry, Weight Management

10 Best Weight gain Medicines in Homoeopathy

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WEIGHT GAIN – 10 BEST HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES

Weight gain with homoeopathic medicines

Homoeopathic medicines helps regularise weight of a person as per constitution and requirements of an individual.

For optimal realisation of Homoeopathic medinical effects the medicines needs to be selected as per the constitution with special emphasis on physiological imbalances and any other underlying pathological factors needs to be ruled out.

If not selected in accordance with the homoeopathic principles, the medicine might not yield desired result.

Similarly if selected in accordance with Homoeopathic principles it will not only help in weight gain but also resolve any other underlying abnormalities found in proper physiological functioning of body. As the medicines work via improving constitution of a person.

Below are simplified guidelines to select few of the generally used common medicines which are easy to select that most of the instances are hard to fail and can help gain weight in individuals with below normal weight.

  1. Abrotanum especially suited to person with Protein Energy Malnutrition, in ascending type of Marasmus, pot belly with lean thin arms and limbs, in person who eats well but still loses flesh Kwashiorker Protein Energy Malnutrition PEM , in person with Gouty Diathesis who lose muscles, in person who lose weight due to chronic Diarrhoea dysentery, linteric stool with visible undigested food particles in stools.
  2. Alfa Alfa general homoeopathic tonic to improve digestion promote protien absorption and metabolism.
  3. Ashwagandha / Withania promotes testosterone secretion thus promoting protien metabolism improving muscle mass and reducing fats
  4. Natrum Mur weak lean malnourushed  emaciated person with unhealthy skin and earthy complexion, irritability and depressive temperament causing weight loss.
  5. Tuberculinum weightloss due to past or present tuberculosis
  6. Phosphorus lean thin pale person with history of tuberculosis and sensitive to cold.
  7. Arsenicum Album typically suited in patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, bulemia nervosa, person stops eating due to fear fright and anxiety of death, disease or obesity.
  8. Chelidonium Majus weight loss due to sluggish liver function
  9. Lycopodium low body weight or weightloss due to liver disease or sluggish liver function.
  10. Pulsatilla in women with depressing emotion weeping desposition pale fair complexion with tendency towards hyperacidity and tendency to catch cold easily.
Endocrinology, Gastroentrology, HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT, Metabolic Disorders, Nutrition, Psychiatry, Weight Management

LOSE WEIGHT – 10 Best Homoeopathic Medicines

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Lose Weight  (Fat Loss) – 10 Best Homoeopathic Medicines

To Lose Weight in obese patient who wants to reduce weight it is necessary to rule out all the pathological factors which may be responsible for obesity and if any found then first the underlying abnormalities needs to be treated first.

Each case preferably needs to be individualised properly as per homoeopathic principles for medicine selection, to yield best results of homoeopathic medicines.

Though , there are some generally used common homoeopathic medicines to lose weight which I have simplified to select by providing basic guidelines which are hard to fail in most of the cases,

  1. Phytolacca Berry well proven homoeopathic medicine for weightloss in general.
  2. Fucus Vesiculosus compliments well to phytolacca berry and when both given intermittently during weightloss treatment works wonders.
  3. Calcarea Carbonica Generalised obesity, for fair, fat and flabby women especially in their forties, mentally and physically sluggish , well suited to women with thyroid disorders.
  4. Thuja Occidentalis obesity due to excessive hunger and abnormally high appetite.
  5. Ignetia Amara obesity in females due to depressing emotion and PCOS.
  6. Thyroidinum obesity due to thyroid disorder
  7. Sepia obesity in female do to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  8. Iodium obesity due to disorder in thyroid glands
  9. Bromium obesity due to disorder in thyroid gland
  10.  Nux Vomica for weight gain due to sedentary lifestyle, irregular dietary habbits, irregular routine, lack of sleep, typical central obesity.
  • To lose weight a person needs to keep strict control on his diet and need to do exercise on regular basis along with medicines for faster and better results.
  • One needs to keep check that he doesnt lose muscle mass in the process
  • I recomend to completely stop sugar and jaggery
  • Oil and Ghee not more than 1-2 tsp throughout the day
  • Increase protien intake as per intensity of workout
  • Increase fiber intake in form of salads and fruits that are not too sweet
  • 4-5 small meals throughout the day
  • Ample of water throughout the day
  • 1 hour yoga or brisk walk
  • Intense workout under professional guidance for those wants to achieve subnormal so called ripoed and defined body.
  • Atleast 7 hours of continious sleep at a stretch is recomended.

Basically this article emphasises more on medicines so diet and regime will be discussed in detail in other article.

To Understand Obesity click the following link

OBESITY