Abstract
Background The importance of temperament in the selection of an individualized homeopathic medicine
has not been evaluated systematically. The current study explored this under-researched
area.
Materials and Methods A prospective, open, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, pilot trial was performed
on patients suffering from various chronic diseases. Each patient's temperament was
assessed using a newly developed “temperament diagnostic questionnaire”. Outcome measures
were health status using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and a visual analog scale (VAS)
of patient's self-rated health, measured at baseline and at 3 months. Homeopathic
medicines were prescribed on the basis of individualization, randomly with or without
accounting for individual temperament, and patients grouped accordingly (temperament(+)
and temperament(−)). Baseline comparability of the two groups was checked, followed
by analysis of group differences. A p-value < 0.01 was considered as statistically significant.
Results Fifty protocol-compliant patients were analyzed. The two groups were comparable at
baseline. Over 3 months of intervention, there was significant improvement (p < 0.01) in each group. Though improvement in the EQ-5D-5L score was greater in the
temperament(+) group (mean difference, 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2 to 4.5),
the change did not achieve the threshold for statistical significance (p = 0.029). Improvement in VAS score was significantly greater in the temperament(+)
group than in temperament(–) patients (mean difference, 15.2; 95% CI, 4.9 to 25.4;
p = 0.004).
Conclusion Considering temperament as a key element of individualized prescription may enhance
health improvement from homeopathic treatment in chronic diseases. Independently replicated
rigorous trials with validated scales are warranted.
Trial Registration CTRI/2018/03/012433.
Keywords
homeopathy - temperament - randomized trial - EQ-5D-5L - visual analog scale
