Therapeutic Management of Ocular Manifestations in Rheumatic Disease: A Homeopathic Repertorial Perspective

Introduction

The clinical intersection of rheumatology and ophthalmology presents a complex landscape where systemic autoimmune processes frequently manifest within ocular tissues. According to the sources, the eye is commonly involved in various forms among rheumatology patients, with lead symptoms including pain, “red eyes,” impaired vision, and exophthalmus. While the rheumatoid process involves the eye in approximately 1% of patients, the clinical implications are significant, often involving the episcleritis—which is typically mild and transient—and scleritis, which involves the deeper layers of the eye.

Approximately 50% of scleritis cases are attributable to systemic autoimmune or rheumatic disease, representing a severe clinical course that can result in the thinning and perforation of the globe. Furthermore, 15–20% of individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) may develop Sjögren’s syndrome, characterized by attendant keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Homeopathic medicine offers a nuanced, individualized approach to these conditions, drawing on vast repertorial data to match specific ocular pathologies with their corresponding remedial profiles.

Clinical Landscapes: Episcleritis and Scleritis

The sources indicate that episcleritis is overwhelmingly a disease of adults, with childhood involvement being distinctly uncommon. While the exact incidence is low—one study cited in the sources noted only eight cases of scleral inflammation out of 9,600 new referrals—the association with rheumatic disease often shows a female preponderance.

For general rheumatic conditions of the eye, the sources identify a broad spectrum of medicines, with ACON, ARS, BRY, MERC, NUX-V, PULS, RHUS-T, SPIG, and SULPH serving as primary therapeutic agents. The selection of these remedies is often refined by the specific layer of the eye affected. For instance, rheumatic scleritis frequently indicates medicines such as Chinin-m, Euphr, Kalm, and Spig.

Rheumatic Iritis and Internal Ocular Pathology

Inflammation of the iris, or rheumatic iritis, represents a significant portion of the ophthalmic rheumatic burden. The sources list RHUS-T, Spig, Sulph, Bry, Bell, and Merc as high-priority medicines for this condition. Differentiating between these requires attention to the stage of the disease and laterality:

• Early Stages: Belladonna is specifically indicated for the beginning phases of iritis.
• Plastic Iritis: Sal-ac is indicated when the inflammation takes on a plastic character.
• Laterality: Cocc and Spig are utilized for left-sided iritis, whereas Cimic and Syph are preferred for right-sided involvement.

Beyond iritis, the sources provide specific rubrics for secondary rheumatic pathologies. Rheumatic glaucoma is primarily associated with Cocc and Rhod, while Spig is the leading remedy for rheumatic cataracts, particularly when localized to the left eye. For ptosis of rheumatic origin, Rhus-t is identified as the singular prominent remedy.

Repertorial Analysis of Pain and Sensation

In homeopathy, the character of pain is a vital diagnostic marker. The sources detail several "newly coined rubrics" and traditional entries that categorize rheumatic eye pain:

• Stitching Pain: Often requires Apis, Bry, Merc, or Rhus-t.
• Tearing Pain: Frequently indicates Puls, Rhus-t, or Spig, as well as Arn and Coloc.
• Neuralgic, Radiating, and Stabbing Pain: These sharp, intense sensations are the hallmark of Spigelia (Spig).
• Aching: Primarily associated with Bry and Euphr.
• Biting and Burning: Specifically linked to Apis.

The Synthesis Repertory provides a foundational rubric for "PAIN – rheumatic," including medicines such as ACON, Apis, Ars, Bell, Bry, Dulc, Led, Merc, Phyt, Puls, Rhus-t, Spig, and Sulph.

Modalities: The Key to Differential Diagnosis

The sources emphasize that the movement of symptoms and their reaction to environmental factors are essential for remedy differentiation.

Laterality and Progression A unique clinical marker identified in the Repertorium Universalis is the progression of symptoms from right to left, which specifically points to Nat-c, Sep, and Spig.

Aggravations (Worsening Factors)

• Motion: Bryonia is famously worsened by the motion of the eye, a trait shared with Grind and Kalm.
• Night: Many rheumatic remedies show nocturnal aggravation, including Apis, Arn, Bry, Cimic, Coloc, Euphr, Led, Rhus-t, Sal-ac, Spig, and Syph.
• Thermal/Weather: Rhus-t is indicated for complaints worsened by cold and becoming wet, while Mercury is worsened by the warmth of the bed.
• Mental Modalities: A striking feature of Spigelia is the aggravation of symptoms simply by thinking of the complaints.

Ameliorations (Improvement Factors)

• Temperature: Rhus-t and Sal-ac are significantly improved by hot applications, whereas Spigelia finds relief through cold.
• Physical Factors: Bryonia is improved by pressure, while Belladonna requires a dark room for relief.

Associated Systemic and Clinical Signs

A holistic homeopathic prescription for rheumatic eye conditions often depends on "concomitant" symptoms—those occurring alongside the ocular pathology. According to the sources:

• Joint Alternation: Bryonia is indicated when ocular inflammation alternates with pain in the joints.
• Urinary and Back Symptoms: Terebinthina (Ter) is indicated for rheumatic eye conditions accompanied by dark urine or pain in the back.
• Ocular Discharge: Euphrasia and Coloc are noted for acrid lachrymation, with Euphrasia also being a primary remedy for iris adhesions.
• Vision Disturbances: Pulsatilla is specifically indicated for dim vision during rheumatic episodes, while Lith-c is noted for right-sided hemiopia.

Conclusion

The management of the "Rheumatic Eye" requires a sophisticated understanding of both the deep pathological changes in the sclera and iris and the idiosyncratic symptomatic expressions of the patient. The sources demonstrate that while a core group of remedies like Rhus-t, Spig, and Bry cover the majority of rheumatic ocular presentations, the final selection must be predicated on the finer details of laterality, thermal modalities, and systemic concomitants. By utilizing comprehensive repertorial data from Synthesis and the Complete Repertory, clinicians can navigate the 1% of RA patients with ocular involvement toward effective, individualized relief.

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Steroids – Do Homoeopaths use them ?

Steroids is a shortened term used for corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are man made drugs that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone produced by adrenal glands in our body. When inflammation occurs due to foreign substances in our body, chemicals from the body are released to protect us from foreign bodies. Sometimes, however, the wbc`s and the inflammatory chemicals cause damage to the body`s tissues. How they work Steroids work by decreasing inflammation & reducing the activity of immune system. Inflammation is a process in which the body`s white blood cells and chemicals protect us from infection and foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. In certain diseases, however, the body`s defense system does not work properly. This may cause inflammation to work against the body`s tissues and cause damage. Inflammation is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling & pain. Steroids reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in order to minimize tissue damage. Steroids also reduce the activity of immune system by affecting the function of wbc`s. When inflammation threatens to damage critical body organs, steroids can be organ saving and in many cases life saving. If prolonged and high doses of steroids are used; side effects may occur. Common side effects of steroids include :- Increased appetite, weight gain. Sudden mood swings. Muscle weakness. Blurred vision. Increased growth of body hair. Low resistance to infection. Swollen puffy face Acne. Osteoporosis (Brittle bones). Water retention, swelling. For their proper use, their dose, repetititon and withdrawal should be done properly. “ Doctor, I have heard that homoeopaths use steroids. Do you also use them? This question is often posed by some patients during the course of a consultation with a Homoeopathic physician. The answer to this question is a definite “NO”. Homoeopathic physicians of integrity and commitment to their profession do not use steroids. Further more the following points also add up to clear the doubts: If one has been on long term steroids, one would show some side effects like “MOON FACE”, Excessive Body hair, Osteoporosis, Diabetes etc. Steroids are not all “CURE ALL” for all the ills of the world. If that had been the case then all diseases would have vanished. There are around 4000 medicines in the homoeopathic armamentarium, each having its own sphere of action, symptomalogy & individuality. So where is the need for steroids? Using steroids causes SUPPRESSION of disease i.e. the act of driving a disease deeper inwards so that it attacks more important organs than previously affected and in a more serious form. No conscientious physician would like to do that. HOW STEROIDS ARE TESTED IN MEDICINES? The routine method for testing steroids is the “Calorimetric Method” using Tetrazolium Blue salts. In this test, the reaction depends upon the reduction of Tetrazolium Blue salts to a highly coloured compound known as “Farmazan”. Under controlled conditions the amount of “Farmazan” developed is proportional to the quality of steroids or any other Reducing sugars present in the material being tested. The dispensing materials used in homoeopathic medicines are: Lactose (Milk sugar), Pills made of cane sugar. Both of these materials are reducing sugars, so they give a false test for steroids even when they are UN-medicated! Another dispensing material used is Alcohol. If the alcohol used is not completely free from Aldehyde, it will interfere with the reaction and will impart some characteristic colour in the reaction that may again give a false positive impression of steroid. So this method is not at all advisable to determine the presence of steroids in a homoeopathic medicines. Other methods used t UV method: This is another method for the testing of steroids. All steroids shoe UV absorption between 235 to 240 NM in dehydrated alcohol or methanol in a clear solution. This is a reliable method for testing steroids in homoeopathic medicines. Conclusion: So, before accepting a claim that the tested medicine does contain a steroid, one must find out what testing procedures were used to eliminate the possibility of a false positive result. If tests conclusively prove that the medicine given is indeed a steroid under the guise of a homoeopathic remedy then one must seek an explanation or complain to homoeopathic council or consumer forum so that a disciplinary action can be taken against the erring doctor. Unsubstantiated allegations against any doctor or system of medicine are most unfair and damaging to the professional integrity and indeed to the profession. The curative properties of homoeopathic medicines prescribed strictly on the principles of homoeopathy extend much farther than contemporary system of medicine. This might be the reason that our contemporaries have the misconception that homoeopaths use steroids. Dr Dushyant Kamal Dhari M.D. (Hom)

IMPORTANCE OF MINERAL ZINC

Written by Debby Bruck, CHom

INTRODUCTION
The elemental mineral Zinc plays an important role in well being. Studies shows that zinc effects our sense of smell, the skin, the nervous system and mental faculties. Medical research shows zinc as a key element in the treatment of a range of diseases, for example type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

The importance of zinc for normal growth and the survival of plants and animals was recognized a long time ago. Yet the existence of its deficiency in humans was doubted because of the element’s ubiquitous distribution in the environment and the lack of obvious clinical signs of deficiency. Nevertheless, evidence of human deficiency began to emerge during the 1960′s, when cases of zinc-responsive dwarfism and delayed sexual maturation were first reported in Egyptian adolescents [1]. Since then, a number of intervention trials have been carried out to assess the impact of zinc supplementation, particularly in low-income populations who are likely to suffer from zinc deficiency [2]. Results of these studies have shown that zinc supplementation increases growth among stunted children and reduces the prevalence of common childhood infections.

BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF ZINC

As previously stated, zinc is the most pervasive of all trace elements involved in human metabolism. More than one hundred specific enzymes require zinc for their catalytic function [3]. If zinc is removed from the catalytic site, activity is lost; replacement of zinc restores activity. Zinc participates in all major biochemical pathways and plays multiple roles in the perpetuation of genetic material, including transcription of DNA, translation of RNA, and ultimately cell division. When the supply of dietary zinc is insufficient to support these functions, biochemical abnormalities and clinical signs may develop. Studies in individuals with acrodermatitis enteropathica, a genetic disorder with zinc malabsorption resulting in severe deficiency, have provided much insight into the functional outcomes of zinc deficiency [4]. These include impairments of dermal, gastrointestinal, neurologic and immunologic systems.

ZINC AS AN IMMUNITY BOOSTER

Zinc affects both non-specific and specific immune functions. In terms of non-specific immunity, it affects the integrity of epithelial barrier and function of neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages. With regard to specific immunity, both lymphopenia and declined lymphocyte function occur in zinc deficiency. Although most of these effects are derived from experimental animals, studies in human subjects have also shown that altered zinc status can affect immune competence. For example, elderly subjects who received supplemental zinc demonstrated improvement in delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity, number of circulating T cells and serum IgG antibody response to tetanus toxoid. In other studies of experimentally induced mild zinc deficiency among adults, a reduction in serum thymulin and specific subpopulations of lymphocytes occurred during zinc depletion, and these returned to normal levels following zinc repletion. Although specific links between altered immunity and different infections are not well understood, changes in immune functions are clinically important because decreased rates of infections have been observed following zinc supplementation in community based studies.

ZINC METABOLISM

Zinc is released from food as free ions during digestion. These liberated ions may then bind to endogenously secreted ligands before their transport into the enterocytes in the duodenum and jejunum [3]. Specific transport proteins may facilitate the passage of zinc across the cell membrane into the portal circulation. With high intakes, zinc is also absorbed through a passive paracellular route.

The portal system carries absorbed zinc directly to the liver, and then released into systemic circulation for delivery to other tissues. About 70% of zinc in circulation is bound to albumin, and any condition that alters serum albumin concentration can have a secondary effect on serum zinc levels. Although serum zinc represents only 0.1% of the whole body zinc, the circulating zinc turns over rapidly to meet tissue needs.

Loss of zinc through gastrointestinal tract accounts for approximately half of all zinc eliminated from the body. Considerable amounts of zinc is secreted through the biliary and intestinal secretions, but most of it is reabsorbed and this process is an important point of regulation of zinc balance. Other routes of zinc excretion include the urine and surface losses (desquamated skin, hair, sweat).

ZINC DEFICIENCY

Symptoms of zinc deficiency include:
 • Frequent infections
 • Hypogonadism in males
 • Loss of hair
 • Poor appetite
 • Problems with the sense of taste
 • Problems with the sense of smell
 • Skin sores
 • Slow growth
 • Trouble seeing in the dark
 • Wounds that take a long time to heal

Zinc supplements in large amounts may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, usually within 3 – 10 hours of swallowing the supplements. It is a good thing that symptoms go away within a short period of time after the stopping the supplements.

People who use nasal sprays and gels that contain supplemental zinc may have side effects such as losing their sense of smell. Homeopathic zinc would not incur these effects, unless used unnecessarily and unhomeopathically on a continual and unwarranted basis. Symptoms go away after stopping the use of homeopathic zinc.

What a substance can cause in a healthy individual can be cured in a sick person with the same symptoms. Thus, we can see the above side-effects match the homeopathic zinc. For example Bonninghausen lists inward pressure in the eyes, with fiery flakes on looking upward. Painful soreness on canthi with paralysis of upper lid. Could this be a more complete description of eye symptoms?

ZINC RESEARCH

In a new study, Prof Mike Watkinson, Dr Stephen Goldup and Dr Caroline Brennan, from Queen Mary’s School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, have focused their efforts on the development of a sensor for zinc to be used in studies on zebrafish [5].

Clinical manifestations of frank zinc deficiency may vary at different ages. In early infancy, diarrhea is a prominent symptom. Zinc deficiency leads to impaired cognitive function, behavioral problems, impaired memory, learning disability and neuronal atrophy [2]. Skin problems become more frequent as the child grows older. Alopecia, growth retardation and recurrent infections are common in school-age children. Chronic non-healing skin ulcers and recurrent infections are common among the elderly. These effects are derived from controlled clinical trials showing positive response to supplemental zinc.

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE

The government provides a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamins and supplements. Many factors help decide how much will be needed, however these variables must be tailored individually to the needs of the person.

Infants
 0 – 6 months: 2* milligrams per day (mg/day)
 7 – 12 months: 3* mg/day
 *Adequate Intake (AI) Children
 1 – 3 years: 3 mg/day
 4 – 8 years: 5 mg/day
 9 – 13 years: 8 mg/day

Adolescents and Adults
 Males age 14 and over: 11 mg/day
 Females age 14 to 18 years: 9 mg/day
 Females age 19 and over: 8 mg/day

SOURCES OF ZINC

1. High-protein foods contain high amounts of zinc. Other good sources of zinc are nuts, whole grains, legumes, and yeast.
 2. Zinc occurs in a wide variety of foods, but is found in highest concentrations in animal sources, particularly beef, pork, poultry and fish, and in lesser amounts in eggs and dairy products. Zinc content is relatively high in nuts, legumes and whole grain cereals and is lower in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are not good sources. Low-protein diets and vegetarian diets tend to be low in zinc.
 3. Zinc is in most multivitamin and mineral supplements. These supplements may contain zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, or zinc acetate. It is not clear whether one form is better than the others.
 4. Zinc is also found in some over-the-counter medicines, such as cold lozenges, nasal sprays, and nasal gels.
 5. The industry includes traces of zinc in processed foods.

ZINCUM METTALICUM (Homeopathic Zinc)

Boenninghausen provides the mental picture of one in need of homeopathic zinc. Moroseness especially in evening. Very sensitive to noise. Easily frightened, and long continued trembling after every emotion. Inclination to vehemence which greatly affects him. Extraordinarily changeable mood, in the morning buoyant, and in evening sad.

And generalities include tearing rheumatic pains. Worse from physical exertion or when becoming heated. Violent throbbing throughout the body, and jerks at night. Painful soreness both within and externally on the body. Spasms from fright. The location of pain appears between the skin and underlying tissue. Like Nux-v and Chamomilla, worse for wine, which intensifies symptoms, especially the keynote of restlessness at night.

Dr Allen says of zinc, when people suffer from cerebral and nervous exhaustion with defective vitality, inability of brain function, like loss of comprehension and memorization difficulty, zinc covers these symptoms.

The immune system may be too weak to develop a skin rash that typically accompanies a disease or fever. The body may not have the strength to carry on menstrual function, to expectorate, or even to urinate.

Every homeopath recognizes the constant, violent fidgety of feet or lower extremities, which wears out the nervous system. The restless leg syndrome in bed often seizes with zinc. Like agaricus and ignatia, tics, twitching and jerking of single muscles may be seen.

Like the snake remedies, zinc patients feel better in every way as soon as the menses begin to flow, relieving the patient.

Historically, zinc has been  used in the cerebral affections in impending paralysis of brain; where the vis medicatrix naturae is too weak to develop exanthemata (Cup., Sulph., Tub.); symptoms of effusion into ventricles.

Childhood Observations
 Child repeats everything said to it. Child cries out during sleep; whole body jerks during sleep; wakes frightened, starts, rolls the head from side to side; face alternately pale and red. Convulsions: during dentition, with pale face, no heat, except perhaps in occiput, no increase in temperature (rev. of Bell.); rolling the eyes; gnashing the teeth. Automatic motion of hands and head, or one hand and head (Apoc., Bry., Hell.).

Neurological Disorders
 Chorea from suppressed eruption or from fright, repeating Boenninghausen. The individual has a ravenous appetite around 11 or 12 a. m. (Sulph.) and what Allen calls, “greediness” when eating. In fact, it seems the person cannot eat fast enough, especially with these neurological disorders.

Skin and Perspiration
 With the above symptoms and sweaty smelly feet and toes, after suppressing the perspiration, great nervousness. Cannot tolerate any coverings during perspiration. The necessity for zinc, covers a wide spectrum of skin disorders due to poor circulation, poor nutrition, anemia, and hormonal changes and when taking certain drugs [beta-blockers] the reduced circulation results in chillbains. These small, itchy, painful swellings, worse from rubbing, generally appear on the skin after several hours of exposure to cold temperatures.

Sexual Organs

Sexual Organs effected with pain. Scrotum and testes painful and sore. Great incitation to coition with seminal discharge. Nymphomania in lying in women, with great sensitiveness of sexual organs. Grasping at the genitals.

Nervous System
 Spinal affections; burning whole length of spine; backache much < from sitting > by walking about (Cobalt., Puls., Rhus). Spinal irritation; great prostration of strength. Cannot bear back touched (Chin. s., Taren., Ther.).

Strange, rare and peculiar symptom: The ability to urinate only while sitting bent backwards.

Relations – Compare: Hell., Tuber., in incipient brain diseases from suppressed eruptions.
 Aggravation – Of many symptoms from drinking wine, even a small quantity (Alum., Con.).
 Amelioration – Symptoms: of chest, by expectoration; of bladder, by urinating; of back, by emissions (< by Cobalt.); general, by menstrual flow. Is followed well by, Ign., but not by Nux, which disagrees.
 Inimical – Cham., and Nux; should not be used before or after.

REFERENCES
 1. Escott-Stump S, ed. Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008.
 2. Sarubin Fragaakis A, Thomson C. The Health Professional’s Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements. 3rd ed. Chicago, Il: American Dietetic Association;2007.
 3. Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2000.
 4. Singh M, Das RR. Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Feb 16;2:CD001364.
 5. A sensor to detect role of zinc in diseases like type 2 diabetes

Chemical Composition of Turmeric

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF TURMERIC
Curcumin was first isolated in 1815, obtained in crystalline form in 1870 (Vogel and Pelletier,
1818; Daube, 1870), and identified as 1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-(1E,6E) or diferuloylmethane (Figure 10.3). The feruloylmethane skeleton of curcumin was
subsequently confirmed in 1910 by the initial work and synthesis by Lampe (Lampe, 1910; Lampe
and Milobedzka, 1913). Curcumin is a yellow-orange powder that is insoluble in water and ether
but soluble in ethanol, dimethylsulfoxide, and acetone. Curcumin has a melting point of 183C,
molecular formula of C21H20O6, and molecular weight of 368.37 g/mol.
Curcumin (also known as curcumin I) occurs naturally in the rhizome of Curcuma longa, which
is grown commercially and sold as turmeric, a yellow-orange dye. Turmeric contains curcumin
along with other chemical constituents known as the “curcuminoids” (Srinivasan, 1952).
The major medicinal properties of curcumin are -

Chemopreventive
Skin, liver, colon, stomach
Diabetes
Cardiovascular
diseases
Cholestrol, platelet aggregation
Arthritis
Antiinflammatory
Chemotheraputic
Antiangiogenic Antioxidant
Multiple sclerosis
Alzheimer disease
Lung fibrosis
Nephrotoxicity
Cardiotoxicity
Wound healing
HIV replication
Cataract formation
Gall-stones formation
Inhibits vascular
smooth muscle cell
proliferation
Curcumin
Inflammatory
bowel disease
Immunosuppressive
Septic shock
Liver injury
Inhibits Scarring
Multidrug resistance

Hom. management of Anxiety Disorders

http://www.scribd.com/doc/98518561/Homoeopathic-Management-of-Anxiety-Disorders-With-the-Help-o

Paediatric homoeopathy in general practice: where, when and why?

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2005 Jun;59(6):743-9.

Ekins-Daukes S, Helms PJ, Taylor MW, Simpson CR, McLay JS.

Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Buildings, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD.
AIMS: To investigate the extent of homoeopathic prescribing in primary care for childhood diseases and assess GP attitudes towards the use of homoeopathy in children.
METHODS: Homoeopathic prescribing in primary care was assessed in 167 865 children aged 0-16 years for the year 1999-2000. Computerized prescribing data were retrieved from 161 representative general practices in Scotland. Medical attitudes towards homoeopathic prescribing to children were also assessed via a questionnaire survey.
RESULTS: During the year 1999-2000 22% (36) of general practices prescribed homoeopathic medicines to 190 (1.1/1000 registered) children. The majority of such prescriptions were issued to children under 1 year of age (8.0/1000 registered children). The most frequently prescribed medicines were for common self-limiting infantile conditions such as colic, cuts and bruises, and teething. A total of 259 completed questionnaires were returned by GPs, giving a response rate of 75%. GPs who frequently prescribed homoeopathic medicines to children (more than 1 per month) were more likely to claim an interest in homoeopathy, have had a formal training and keep up to date in the discipline, and refer on to a homoeopath (P < 0.001 for all variables) than those GPs who prescribed less than once a month or never. The majority of GPs who prescribed homoeopathic medicines did so when conventional treatments had apparently failed (76%), while 94% also perceived homoeopathy to be safe. Frequent prescribers reported a more positive attitude towards homoeopathic medicines than those who prescribed less frequently. Non-prescribers reported a lack of proven efficacy and lack of training as the main reasons for not prescribing homoeopathic medicines (55% and 79%, respectively). However non-prescribers from within homoeopathic prescribing practices reported a more favourable attitude in general towards homoeopathy and less resistance towards prescribing in the future than non-prescribers from practices where none of the partners practiced homoeopathy.
CONCLUSIONS: In primary care paediatric prescribing of homoeopathic medicines most commonly occurs for self-limiting conditions in infants less than 1 year of age. Although the current level of homoeopathic prescribing is low, the widespread use in the community suggests that at least some knowledge of the main indications for homoeopathy and the preparations used would be of benefit to registered medical practitioners.

PMID: 15948942 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anxiety Screening Quiz

Use this quiz to help you determine
if you might need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis
and treatment of an anxiety or panic disorder.


Instructions: This is a screening measure to help you determine whether you might have an anxiety disorder that needs professional attention. This screening measure is not designed to make a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder or take the place of a professional diagnosis or consultation. Please take the time to fill out the below form as accurately, honestly and completely as possible.


Think back about how you've felt over the past month. Please choose how often you've experienced each of the following anxiety symptoms during that time:
Usually Often Sometimes Rarely Never
Pounding heart





Sweating





Trembling or shaking





Shortness of breath





Afraid or scared





Chest pain or discomfort





Usually Often Sometimes Rarely Never
Nausea or abdominal distress





Feeling dizzy or unsteady





Fear of losing control or going crazy





Numbness or tingling sensations





chills or hot flashes





Fear of dying





Usually Often Sometimes Rarely Never
Constant or persistent worry





Feeling of choking





Unable to relax





Feeling of being unreal





Nervous





Feeling shaky or wobbly





Usually Often Sometimes Rarely Never
Irritable or difficulty sleeping





Trembling hands





Avoid situations because of anxiety





Feeling lightheaded or faint