Homeopathy, psychiatric drugs and psychotherapy – a golden triangle or a disturbing interference only?

Homeopaths often complain that psychiatric drugs disturb homeopathic treatments and psychotherapy (PT) diminishes the clarity of symptoms, it leads to some explications but not to a significant improvement. Psychiatry (Psy) on the other hand criticizes homeopathy (Hom) for inappropriate psychiatric drug reduction and the passive wait and see for the magic globule to work, avoiding conflicts, instead of handling a serious psychotherapeutic process. The question remains: are Hom, Psy and PT a golden triangle or do they only disturb each other?

We examined problems, benefits and interactions of these factors on the basis of selected long-term cases over 30 years of clinical practice in Hom and Psy-PT. How are the procedures, where and how much can psychiatric patients benefit from Hom, when can we rely on Hom alone, when is it hazardous to forgo Psy and PT? Can we combine Hom and conventional drugs, and what has to be considered when collaborating with Psy?

Answering, considering the cases we see, the clinical reality is less black and white than in the initial question. In summary Hom may have good results, yet needs a careful approach and useful working contracts when treating psychiatric patients. And success is not guaranteed.

Hom appears to be a strong third pilar in the treatment of psychiatric patients, along with Psy and PT. Knowledge and a well integrated usage of the 3 therapeutic options appears to be the most effective help in different stages of a patient's psychiatric illness.