A study on the significance of negative life events in the homoeopathic management of social anxiety disorder

Abstract

Background: Mental health disorders are a leading concern worldwide, with the World Health Organization highlighting their significant contribution to disability and reduced quality of life. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by intense fear of social interactions and persistent worry about judgment or embarrassment. Its development is often influenced by a combination of psychological, environmental, and emotional factors, with negative life events playing a critical role. Negative Life Events (NLEs) are recognized as significant contributing factors in its development and progression. Homoeopathy, with its emphasis on individualization and totality of symptoms, considers such events crucial in remedy selection. This study aimed to evaluate the role of NLEs in the individualized homoeopathic management of SAD. Methodology: A prospective observational study was undertaken involving 30 patients aged 18 to 30 years diagnosed with SAD and possessing a history of significant NLEs. Comprehensive case-taking was conducted in alignment with classical homoeopathic principles, emphasizing the impact of NLEs on the mental and emotional spheres. Individualized prescriptions were made following repertorial analysis, miasmatic evaluation, and consideration of constitutional factors. After taking the totality of symptoms and evaluating the cases according to Kent’s Method and the constitutional medicine is found out by using synthesis repertory, radar opus (version3.3) software. Symptom severity was assessed using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) at baseline and post-treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test to determine the significance of therapeutic outcomes. Results: Thirty patients diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder and a documented history of negative life events underwent individualized homoeopathic treatment. Clinical outcomes showed marked improvement in one case, moderate improvement in nine, and mild improvement in fifteen. No significant change was noted in five cases. Statistical analysis of pre- and post-treatment LSAS scores indicated a significant reduction in symptom severity (p