Homoeopathic management of dissociative fugue: A case report

Abstract

A 14-year-old boy was brought to us with complaints of recurrent fleeing episodes with confusion, short-term amnesia and behavioural problems, including restlessness, obstinacy and temper tantrums. He was diagnosed with dissociative fugue based on the DSM IV criteria. He had undergone counselling with his school counsellor, without much benefits. His illness was affecting his academic performance and relationships with parents and friends. The case was explored from the point of psychosocial stresses and the child’s disposition with characteristic expressions. The homoeopathic remedy Cuprum Metallicum was selected using Kent’s approach, as predominant mental characteristics were available. The selected remedy brought changes at the level of the disease expression (fleeing episodes) as well as the deeper aspect of his sensitivity and behaviour. Improvements occurred in his academic performance, social relationships, behaviour at school as well as his relationship with his parents. This experience emphasises the role of homoeopathy in mental disorders, especially dissociative fugue and also demonstrates the importance of characteristic mental state and expressions when selecting a similimum using Kent’s approach.