International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common gastro-intestinal disorder with a psycho- physiological basis which manifests symptoms on physical plane and has mental causation.

Objective: To ascertain the role of homoeopathic treatment in patients of irritable bowel syndrome affirming on stress as a contributory factor through Kentian method of evaluation and to assess the changes on the standardized scales.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in OPD, IPD and POPDs of Bakson Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital and Dr. D.P. Rastogi Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Noida for 18 months on patients aged 18 to 50 years of both sexes irrespective of socio-economic status having clinical features of Irritable Bowel Syndrome satisfying Rome IV criteria and were treated with homoeopathic medicines prescribed on the basis of totality of symptoms with the help of Kentian method of evaluation. A total of 30 cases were assessed after taking consent using IBS-SSS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome- Symptom Severity Score) scale and PSS (Perceived Stress Scale). The response to treatment were assessed with a minimum of 3 months follow up at 15 days interval and scales were filled up at 1 month interval for statistical analysis.

Results: The study revealed that out of 30 patients improvement was found in 25 patients (83%). Clinical indications of 16 remedies were obtained for IBS affirming on stress as a contributory factor after evaluating the totality of symptoms with the help of Kentian method, repertorising with Kent Repertory and finally referring with different literatures of Materia Medica. Middle age adults were suffered more than other age group, males are more in number than females, married people have a greater number than unmarried and diarrhoea predominant IBS (IBS-D) was more common than other types. Lycopodium was frequently indicated among polycrests (n=6) according to this study and 200 potency showed great results among centesimal potencies. Change in IBS-SSS and PSS scores were statistically significant.

Conclusion: The data of the study showed positive effect of Homoeopathic medicines in patients suffering from IBS affirming on stress as a contributory factor. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted.