POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Homeopathy holds great potential in dealing with the cases of post traumatic stress disorder. Homeopathy cures the patient without any side effects unlike conventional medicines which makes the patient drug dependent.
Introduction
It is also called as battle fatigue syndrome.
It is a serious condition that takes place after an individual has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event and it included serious physical harm or threat.
Causes
PTSD can develop after a traumatic event.
- Sexual or physical assault
- unexpected death/demise of loved one
- an accident
- serious injury
- being a victim of crime
- on receiving a life threatening diagnosis
- terrorist attack
- natural disasters
- Or any condition that triggers fear/shock/horror/helplessness which may lead to PTSD.
Patho- physiology
It is assumed that in case of PTSD, there is excessive release of nor epinephrine from the locus coeruleus (a principal site for synthesis of nor epinephrine) in response to stress. Which possibly facilitate the encoding of fear based memories.
Symptoms of PTSD are grouped into following categories
- Intrusion and Reliving
People with PTSD with their intrusive thoughts relive the ordeal repeatedly through chain of thoughts and the memories of the trauma.
That may include flashbacks, hallucinations and nightmares.
Flashbacks may be so vivid that an individual affected may feel as if they are re-living the traumatic/painful experience.
- Avoidance
An individual who is affected may try to avoid people, places, thoughts and certain situations which might remind them of the trauma happened as they may trigger distressing memories.
This may lead to isolation, detachment from close circles of concern (family, friends), it also leads to loss of interest in other activities which were of his personal interest earlier.
- Increased arousal
It refers to excessive flow of emotions, irritability, lack of concentration, being easily startled, outburst of anger. It may lead to reckless behavior. It can also lead to self destruction.
On Physical level it may be reflected as increased blood pressure or heart rate, or rapid breathing, nausea or diarrhea.
- Negative cognitions and mood
It refers to thoughts and feeling of being blamed, memories of bad/traumatic event. Patient may feel “ I’m good for nothing/ nobody can be trusted”, they gradually become unable to experience the positive emotions.
Intensity of PTSD symptoms may vary from individual to individual.
Homeopathic treatment
Approach of Homeopathic treatment in dealing with a case of PTSD is very unique as it is based upon the individualistic approach.
Root cause/ core issue of the case is perceived during the process of skillfully done case taking by a homeopath who greatly imbibes the essence of the case with his expertise in the field of healing art and proceeds forward for the finest prescription .
There are many medicines available in homeopathic medicine for the treatment of PTSD,
E.g. Aconite, staphysagria, arnica, stramonium, ignatia, natrum mur, lac can, etc.
But, only an apt medicine is administered to the patient after a thorough case understanding.
Integrated approach
It is about giving importance to music therapy, guided meditation, yoga, reiki healing, chakra balancing, diet modification, counselling, along with the homeopathic medicines. This integrated approach in healing excellently accentuates the meaning of real healing.