The efficacy of the homoeopathic similimum in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in women

M.Tech.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a multifactoral disorder of the gastrointestinal tract causing disturbances in gastric motility, resulting in abdominal pain, bloating and abnormal bowel movements. It is defined as a 'disorder of gut function in the absence of structural pathology' (Palmer et a!, 2002). It is the most commonly encountered functional gastrointestinal disorder in the primary and secondary health care system with a prevalence in the general population of five to twenty percent (Bellini et a!, 2005). No definite aetiological factor has been isolated, but factors such as psychological stress, anxiety and depression, certain dietary intolerances, increase in abnormal sensitivity to visceral distension, and hormonal changes in women have been implicated in compounding the symptoms of IBS (Ohman & Simren, 2007). Current treatment regimes include dietary changes and symptomatic relief using allopathic medications, which come with the risk of side-effects and may lead to dependency (University of Maryland Medical Center, 2007). Homoeopathic studies which have addressed the physical symptoms as well as the psychological contributing factors associated with IBS, have recorded favourable results when treating this syndrome (Mathie & Robinson, 2006).The aim of this research was to determine the efficacy of Homoeopathic Similimum treatment in IBS. In order to recruit volunteers, this study was advertised in local newspapers, pharmacies and at the University of Johannesburg's Doornfontein Campus. Volunteers completed the Rome III Criteria evaluation to determine their suitability for this study, with the likelihood of any other bowel pathology having been excluded. Ten suitable female volunteers, ranging in age from twenty to thirty five, were selected having met the inclusion criteria. Over a period of three months, each participant partook in four homoeopathic consultations. The initial consultation involved the completion of the information and consent form, an explanation of the research procedures, general well-being and general symptom rating questionnaires were completed, a full homoeopathic case history was taken, and a physical examination was performed. A baseline of four weeks without treatment followed. Participants were requested to complete daily symptom rating scales and keep a daily food diary in the four weeks between consultations. This was continued throughout the study period. The subsequent follow-ups, of which there were three, consisted of a follow-up on the initial consultation, completion of general well-being and symptom rating questionnaire, and a physical examination. A homoeopathic similimum remedy was chosen based on each participant's unique symptoms. Using physical, mental, and emotional symptoms in accordance with classical homoeopathic principles, a single remedy that most suited the individual was chosen and prescribed. It was predicted that the study would provide an alternative and safe treatment option to relieve the symptoms ofiBS. The results of the study showed that the homoeopathic similimum remedy does not provide a statistically significant improvement in the symptoms of IBS. Clinically, however, most participants experienced a general trend of improvement in physical symptoms and general well-being