MATERNAL MENTAL STATE, NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS, AND HOMOEOPATHIC INTERVENTION: A RETROSPECTIVE CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Maternal psychological health during pregnancy is increasingly acknowledged as a critical factor influencing fetal neurodevelopment.  Increased antenatal stress, anxiety, or depression can affect fetal neuroendocrine mechanisms, making children more likely to have neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and global developmental delay (GDD).  Homoeopathy, characterized by its holistic and personalized therapeutic methodology, presents potential advantages in alleviating such effects.  The study aims to ascertain the correlation between the antenatal mental state of mothers and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, as well as to assess the clinical efficacy of individualized homeopathic remedies in their management.  This retrospective observational case series was carried out at Sarada Krishna Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital (SKHMC), Kulasekharam.  We looked at data from 30 kids (ages 0 to 5) who were diagnosed with NDDs and their mothers' psychological history before the birth.  The emotional states of mothers were classified by trimester.  Children received personalized homeopathic remedies chosen via classical Hahnemannian case-taking.  We used descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (ANOVA, t-test) to look at the results.  Of the 30 children, 73% were male, and the most common diagnoses were autism (33%), ADHD (20%), and cerebral palsy (17%).  Grief, anger, and sadness were common mental states among mothers, with grief being especially common among mothers of children with ASD and cerebral palsy.  Silicea terra, Calcarea carbonica, Carcinosin, Natrum muriaticum, and Causticum were the most common medicines that doctors gave out.  Seventy-three percent of cases showed clinical improvement.  Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences based on gender or diagnosis (p > 0.05); however, discernible clinical trends indicated positive responses to individualized homeopathic treatment.  The results indicate a substantial correlation between antenatal maternal mental states and neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring.  Individualized homeopathic medicines exhibited favorable therapeutic results, underscoring the significance of holistic approaches that address maternal emotional well-being during pregnancy.