The efficacy of a Homoeopathic complex Sepia Officinalis 30CH, Pulsatilla pratensis 30CH, Passiflora incarnata 30CH, Kalium phosphoricum 30CH and Natrum muriaticum 30CH in the management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Abstract

According to Elliott Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) was previously known as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder (LLPDD). Thielen states that PMDD is a severe, sometimes disabling extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). According to Thielen it causes extreme mood shifts that can disrupt work and damage relationships. Symptoms usually begin seven to 10 days before menses starts and continue for the first few days of menses. PMDD presents with the following emotional and behavioural symptoms: sadness or hopelessness, anxiety or tension, extreme moodiness and marked irritability or anger. Methodology The number of people that took part in the study was 30 people who were between 18 and 35 years of age who qualify with the inclusion criteria for PMDD as stated by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM V) (2013) (Appendix E), had read the information letter (Appendix A), and signed the consent form (Appendix B). The sample was selected using non-probability convenience sampling. The number of people was randomly divided into two groups of 15 participants – treatment group and placebo group. The duration of the study was 3 months with 3 consultations in total; each consultation was within a week before their next expected menstruation cycle. Measurement tools were the single item Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (DSM IV 2000; Crichton 2001) (Appendix C) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) (KPD) (Andrews and Slade 2001) (Appendix D) which were applied in each consultation. Participants were evenly distributed between the treatment group and placebo group. All data collected was analysed using SPSS version 22.0. The research study took place at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Homoeopathic Day Clinic (HDC) under the supervision of a qualified and registered homoeopath. Before the study commenced permission to conduct the study was requested and granted by all relevant stakeholders [Appendix F (a, b, c)]. Results The results of the study showed that there was no statistical significance between the two groups on both measurement tools. The traditional approach to reporting a result requires a statement of statistical significance. A p-value is generated from a test statistic. A significant result is indicated with "p < 0.05". It is noted that the differences observed per visit per scale were not statistically significant different. That is, the treatment and placebo groups showed similar results.