Management of depression by homeopathic practitioners in Sydney, Australia.
OBJECTIVE
The study investigates the demographic profile, caseload and treatment for depression provided by homeopathic practitioners in Australia.


METHODS
A postal survey comprising a self-administered questionnaire which included a combination of close-ended and open-ended response categories.


METHODS
The questionnaire was mailed to 128 homeopathic practitioners working in the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Australia.


RESULTS
The demographic profile of the respondents showed that most were in the 45-50 year age group, and female practitioners comprised 68% of the sample. Symptoms of depression reported in the homeopathic practice had parallel description of symptoms listed in the ICD-10. Overall, treatment of mental health disorders, such as depression, grief, anxiety and phobia were a significant feature of the practice caseload of the respondents. Eighty-four percent of the respondents had patients presenting for homeopathic treatment that were also receiving some form of external therapy, most commonly antidepressant medications. Sixty percent of the respondents incorporated 'concurrent' therapies in the treatment approach, most commonly counselling, nutrition and lifestyle management.


CONCLUSIONS
The paper shows that most homeopathic practitioners provide a pluralistic approach to management of depression which is in accordance with principles of holistic care. The implications of the research findings are discussed.
Makich
Lillian
L
School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
Hussain
Rafat
R
Humphries
Judy Harris
JH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003376:Counseling; D003710:Demography; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006705:Homeopathy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy
D000928:Antidepressive Agents