Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Hom. management of Anxiety Disorders

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