A CLINICAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE IMPROVEMENT OF AFFECT IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA USING HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES - A STUDY PROTOCOL

Abstract

Aim & Objective

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder marked by distortions in perception, thinking, and affect, including heightened negative affect (NA) and diminished positive affect (PA). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of individualized homoeopathic medicines in the Management of affect in schizophrenia patients. The objectives include assessing the impact of these medicines on improving positive affect and reducing negative affect using the PANAS score. Additionally, the overall symptom intensity will be evaluated by using the PANSS scale. Homoeopathic treatment with its minute potentised form are look forward to bring a significant improvement in the affect of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia

Materials and Methods

This protocol is a single-arm prospective clinical trial to identify the effectiveness of Homoeopathic Medicine in improving the affect of persons with schizophrenia. Affect will be measured using the PANAS scale at baseline and at the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months. Symptom severity will be assessed using the PANSS scale during the same intervals. The study outcomes will be analysed statistically, with the Friedman test used to evaluate changes in PANAS and PANSS scores. P-value if shows ≤ 0.05 will be considered as statistically significant value.

Discussion and Conclusion

The study explores the potential of homoeopathic interventions as a complementary treatment for affective disturbances in schizophrenia. Homoeopathic holistic approach may offer an alternative to conventional treatments, which often come with side effects and financial burdens. Findings could provide preliminary evidence supporting individualized homoeopathic medicine as a cost-effective, non-invasive option for improving affect and overall quality of life in schizophrenia patients. Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to validate these outcomes and establish stronger evidence for clinical practice.