International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Background: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder which may affect the skin, nails and joints. It is fairly common and affects individuals of all ages ⁽¹⁾. The prevalence of psoriasis is approximately 0.44 to 2.8% in India ⁽²⁾. It imposes a financial burden (treatment costs, skincare products, consultations) and a significant mental impact (social stigma, mental health challenges, and emotional distress), there are 2 epidemiological patterns of psoriasis sometimes referred to as type1 and type2, type 1 is common in teenagers with positive family history while type 2 among 50-60 years age group with less common family history. This disease can be managed with homoeopathic medicine. The research work entitled “A Study on the Importance of the Mental Picture in Homoeopathic Treatment of Chronic Psoriasis” aims to evaluate the importance of mental picture in individualized homoeopathic treatment of chronic psoriasis and assess its impact on the severity of the condition using the PASI score. I have analyzed and reiterated the importance of the mental picture in selecting individualised homoeopathic medicines for cases of psoriasis and demonstrated the utility of this research in achieving better therapeutic outcomes.

Aims and Objective: To evaluate the importance of mental picture in individualized homoeopathic treatment of chronic psoriasis and assess its impact on the severity of the condition using the PASI score.

Material and Method: This is a prospective, open-label, observational study conducted at Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal, (M.P.). A total of 30 cases of the age group 18 years and above of psoriasis diagnosed clinically were selected and followed up for the outcome. The history of the patient’s illness was elicited in an elaborate manner as per the directions given in the aphorisms §83-104 in the 5th edition of Organon of Medicine by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Case history was recorded in detail, with all the symptoms, including subjective and objective, considered. After taking the totality of symptoms and evaluating the cases according to Kent’s Method and the constitutional medicine is found out by using the synthesis repertory, RADAR (version 9.1) software. Patients were given homoeopathic medicine as per individualized homoeopathic principles, in potencies ranging from LM 0/1 to 0/6 LM as per the need of the case. PASI score was used for assessing plaque characteristic erythema, induration thickness, scaling and percentage area affected for measuring complaints severity at baseline and after treatment. The quantitative data obtained were analyzed by the student’s paired-t test.

Result: Total 30 cases were registered as per the inclusive criteria. The intention-to-treat population (n=30) was analyzed, and it was found that there was a significant reduction in plaque characteristic erythema, induration thickness, scaling and percentage area affected for measuring complaints severity at baseline and after treatment. After applying paired t-test it is found that out of 30 cases, 08 cases (26.6%) showed marked improvement in their psoriasis, 8 cases (26.6%) were moderately improved, 6 cases (20%) were mildly improved, and 8 cases (26.6%) were insignificantly improved.

Conclusion: Under classical Homoeopathic treatment, psoriasis patients improved considerably in symptomatic severity based on the difference in the PASI score before and after treatment. Therefore, the treatment is effective. This study highlights the significant role of the mental picture in the individualized homoeopathic treatment of chronic psoriasis, demonstrating marked improvement in PASI scores and overall patient well-being. These findings reaffirm the importance of integrating mental and emotional symptoms into homoeopathic practice for effective chronic disease management.