Management of Social Phobia with Ignatia- A Case Report

Abstract

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), commonly referred to as social phobia, encompasses an overwhelming fear of being scrutinized or judged in social settings, leading to avoidance or distress in various interpersonal situations. This condition disrupts daily life, impacting activities ranging from public speaking to using public restrooms. Assessment tools like the Severity Measure for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD-D) aid in diagnosis. Conventional Treatment typically involves medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), though homeopathy's effectiveness in SAD remains underexplored. There is a limited amount of literature examining the efficacy of homeopathy in treating social phobia. This case report highlights a successful management of SAD using Ignatia 10M. A 32-year-old male presented with symptoms including fear of crowds, stage fright, sadness, memory difficulties, suspicion of others, and physical symptoms such as jerky hand movements and numbness in the head. Upon further investigation, his childhood was marked by loneliness, bullying, and the profound grief from death of his father. The Severity Measure for Social Anxiety Disorder Scale (SAD-D) indicated significant impairment, with a score of 31 at baseline. After administering Ignatia 10M, the score decreased to 3 within 3 months, and no recurrence has occurred during 1 year of follow-up.