Understanding Fright and Differential Materia Medica: A case series

Objectives: To successfully prescribe a homoeopathic remedy, it is important to have not only good knowledge of symptomatology but also an ability to closely differentiate a remedy from others indicated for similar conditions. Despite good knowledge of Materia Medica, its clinical application often fails. Therefore, the best way to understand Materia Medica is to study it in an actual clinical setting. Fright which is an extreme fear excited by sudden danger; something strange, ugly or shocking, is one such emotion that the homoeopathic physician encounters in his practice. Materials and Methods: Five successfully treated cases with prominent shades of fright from the author’s practice were studied to understand the causation, evolution and expressions of fright. The qualified expressions were studied through repertory and their finer shades were studied through Materia Medica to understand the key differential indications of the remedies prescribed. Results: The events or life situations that lead to fright and the patients’ response and its evolution lend a characteristic value to individualisation and prescribing based on differentiating from other remedies. Aconite, Opium, Stramonium and Gelsemium were drugs found in this study. Aconite has sudden and extreme effects of fright or repeated sudden effects leading to febrile expressions. Opium has prolonged effects of fright at the sensorium in the form of insomnia, but lacks the intensity or violence of Aconite. Stramonium has a fear of imminent danger or being attacked. The fears are intense, to the extent of terrors; the patient desires company and clings to persons OR hides and tries to escape from the situation. Gelsemium has fright leading to anticipation as well as fear of falling and/or receiving injury. Conclusion: In this study, plant remedies prescribed in higher potencies and infrequent repetition brought about effective resolution of fright in all five cases. The remedies also mitigated the consequences of fright on the mind and body and improved the overall susceptibility in all cases.