Efficacy and Safety of Homeopathy for Moderate Depression (Acute Phase) — DEP-HOM  

Major Depression Clinical Trial

Official title: Homeopathy for Depression: a Randomized, Partially Double-blind, Placebo Controlled, Four Armed Study DEP-HOM

Status Terminated

Clinical Trial Summary

To assess the two components of individualized homeopathic treatment for acute depression, i.e., to investigate the specific effect of individualized Q-potencies versus placebo and to investigate the effect of different approaches to the homeopathic case history taking(defined in this study as case history taking type I and II).

Clinical Trial Description

Homeopathy is often sought by patients with depression. In classical homeopathy, the treatment consists of two main elements: the taking of the case history and the prescription of an individually selected homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic medicines are produced through sequential, agitated dilutions. A Q-Potency is prepared by grinding the raw material, followed by a process of consecutive 1:50.000 agitated dilutions.

Previous data suggest that individualized homeopathic Q-potencies were non inferior to the antidepressant fluoxetine in a sample of patients with moderate to severe major depression. The question remains whether individualized homeopathic Q-potencies have a specific therapeutical effect in acute depression as this has not yet been investigated. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Depression
• Depressive Disorder
• Depressive Disorder, Major
• Major Depression

• NCT number: NCT01178255
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Charite University, Berlin, Germany
• Status: Terminated
• Phase: Phase 3
• Start date: August 2010
• Completion date: July 2011