Effectiveness of individualized homoeopathic medicine in ailments from homesickness for professional course students: a case series study

ABSTRACT Homesickness is known as “mini grief”. It is defined as “a negative emotional state primarily due to separation from home and attachment of persons, characterized by a longing for home and with difficulties in adjusting to the new place. Objective: To evaluate the impact of most similar homoeopathic medicines in treatment of after effects of homesickness. Materials and methods: A prospective study was carried out within the duration of 6 months at Motiwala National Homoeopathic Medical College, Nashik. Patients between 19-25 years of age staying away from home for study, were screened with john archer et al, 1998 questionnaire scale. The most similar medicines after case taking and repertorization were prescribed and followed up for 6 months. Outcome for treatment was assessed with before and after questionnaire provided. Result: After analyzing 45 patients, 6 cases (13%) were improved, 36 cases (80%) are improving and 3 cases (7%) were not improved. This research concluded that homoeopathic individualized medicines are effective in treatment of ailments from homesickness in professional course students. Significant difference (t-0.05=2.014, < t=17.2) using paired t-test was observed at the end of study. Natrum muriaticum, pulsatilla, phosphorus, ignatia were found to be the most useful medicines in treating after effects of homesickness. Conclusion: This study conclude that individualized homoeopathic medicines are effective in cases of ailments from homesickness.