Experience with homoeopathy in a case of intrusive thoughts

Dr. Sunita Singh B.H.M.S

Medical Officer (Homoeopathy) I/c DGHD Bank Enclave, Directorate of Ayush,
Govt of NCT of Delhi. Email:drsunita2010@yahoo.com

Abstract
A 12 years old boy suffering with intrusive thoughts of sexual nature was brought
by his mother for homoeopathic treatment. He was relieved within a span of 3
weeks by few doses of Staphysagria 200 and did not require any further repetition
of medication. Further case studies/ research may pave the way for establishing
role of homoeopathy in such clinical conditions.

Keynotes
Intrusive thoughts, uncontrolled sexual thoughts, Homoeopathy, Staphysgaria

Introduction
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted involuntary thoughts, images, or unpleasant ideas
which are difficult to get rid of. These thoughts may be associated with obsessive-
compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, body dimorphic disorder (BDD), or
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Intrusive thoughts, urges, and
images are of inappropriate things at inappropriate times, mainly divided in to three
categories: "inappropriate aggressive thoughts, inappropriate sexual thoughts, or
blasphemous religious thoughts". (1)

Sexual obsessions involve intrusive thoughts or images of "kissing, touching,
fondling, intercourse, oral sex, anal sex and rape" with "strangers, acquaintances,
parents, children, family members, friends, coworkers, animals and religious
figures", involving "heterosexual or homosexual content" with persons of any age.
(1)

A person experiencing sexual intrusive thoughts may feel shame, embarrassment,
guilt, distress, and torment, fear of acting on the thought or perceived impulse, and
doubt about whether they have already acted in such a way. Depression may be a
result of the self-loathing that can occur, depending on how much the OCD
interferes with daily functioning or causes distress. Their concern over these
thoughts may cause them to scrutinize their bodies to determine if the thoughts
result in feelings of arousal. However, focusing attention of any part of the body
can result in feelings in that part of the body, hence doing so may decrease
confidence and increase fear about acting on the urges.

Modern systems approach for treatment of intrusive thoughts is similar to
treatment for OCD. Exposure and response prevention therapy also referred to as
habituation or desensitization, is useful in treating intrusive thoughts; cognitive
behavioral therapy, also helps patients identify and manage the unwanted
thoughts.
On the other hand, doctrine of individualization, holistic approach and prescribing
on the basis of symptom similarity are the cardinal principals of homoeopathy. Also
it is important to keep the aphorisms 210 - 230 of the Organon in mind while
treating such cases, wherein we find suitable instructions regarding medicinal
treatment, psychotherapy, attitude of physician and measures for management.(2)

Case Study
A 12 years old child was brought by his mother for treatment in august 2013 to
DGHD Bank Enclave with complaint of uncontrolled sexual thoughts. He was a quiet
child with sad and guilty look on his face. Throughout the case taking the child did
not talk much and answered only when asked specifically.

His mother informed that about 2 years back he started surfing internet and came
across pornographic material. With time his interest kept on increasing and he also
befriended some of his classmates with similar interest. Previously known to be a
well behaved boy, over last few months he was seen getting irritated and short
tempered, crying at slight scolding and being inattentive in class.

Recently has also told his mother that he did not like his classmates as they used
abusive language and talked about sex. His mother tried to convince him and made
him understand things to the best of her knowledge but was not successful.
Sometime later he informed his mother that he was not able to control these
thoughts at all and he was so much harassed by them that he would prefer to die.
On hearing this mother took him to a counsellor but that did not help. Hence her
mother brought him to the dispensary for homeopathic treatment.

Case Analysis
The case taking reminded me of two keynotes mentioned by HC Allen:
(1) Persistently dwelling on sexual subjects, constantly thinking of sexual pleasure
(3)
2) Great indignation for things done by others and him(3)

The following rubrics were also referred from Kents Repertory:
1) Thoughts, intrude and crowd around each other, sexual: aloes ,con, graph ,
phos, pic-ac, plat, staph (4)
2) Indignation: ambra, ars, aur, calc p, caps, chin, cocc, croc, coloc, ign, nat.c,
Staph (5)

Hence Staphysagria was selected as the remedy for child.

Prescription and follow up
Date Prescription Observation /Follow up
16/8/13 Staphysgaria 200
one dose stat,
Placebo /tds/3day
Uncontrolled sexual thoughts with guilt feeling so
much that wanted to die.
19/8/13 Staphysgaria 200
one dose stat,
Placebo
/tds/7days
After three days when child came ,was cheerful
and relaxed, thought were their but much less
31/8/13 Placebo Child was not complaining about thoughts any
/tds/15days more, engaged in daily routine like before.

As child was better and not complaining anymore, mother stopped coming for
medicine.

In the month of December 2013, when she came for medicine for herself she
informed that child is doing fine.

Discussion
Many people experience the same type of bad or unwanted thoughts that people
with more troubling intrusive thoughts have, but most them can also dismiss these
thoughts or deal with them without getting bothered. It is when they torment the
regular life of an individual that they need attention of the treating physician. In the
above mentioned case these thoughts may be associated with OCD.

Epidemiological studies suggest that intrusive thoughts are the most common kind
of OCD world-wide. According to many research studies most people who suffer
with bad or unacceptable thoughts have not identified themselves as having OCD,
because they may not have what they believe to be classic symptoms of this
disease such as hand washing. (1)

Conclusion
My experience in this case has given me confidence in the therapeutic potential of
homoeopathy in treating such conditions, especially children who present with
intrusive thoughts. The advantages of homoeopathy are:
1. The case taking of the patient requires detailed history sessions, which
involve delving into the thinking and behaviour patterns of the person. This
information is sought not only from the patient himself but also his/ her
attendants and requires focused unbiased observation on behalf of the
physician.
2. Counselling is hence in integral part of homoeopathic history taking.
3. The homoeopathic drugs are safe and without any side effects.
4. Our medicines are easily palatable.
Further documented case reports and research studies shall help in establishing the
role of homoeopathy in such conditions, which are increasingly becoming epidemic
in 21
st
century.

References
1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrusive_thoughts as accessed on 7-05-2014
2) Hahnemann, S. Organon of Medicine, 210-230. Accessed online at
http://www.vithoulkas.com/en/books-study/organon.html
3) Allen HC. Key notes and Characteristics with comparisons of some of the Leading
Remedies of the Materia Medica. B.Jain Publisher Pvt Ltd, New Delhi. Reprint Edition
1993; pp 272-273
4) Kent JT. Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica- Mind. Pratap Medical
Publishers, New Delhi. Fourth Indian edition; pp 87
5) Kent JT. Repertory of Homoeopathic Materia Medica- Mind. Pratap Medical
Publishers, New Delhi. Fourth Indian edition; pp 55