ROLE OF INDIVIDUALISED HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CONDUCT DISORDER IN PAEDIATRIC AGE GROUP: A PROSPECTIVE SINGLE ARM PRE-POST ASSESSMENT INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Conduct disorder is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate social norms or rules are violated. The symptoms of CD are categorized into four characteristics: 1. aggression to people and animals, 2. destruction of property, 3. deceitfulness or theft, and 4. serious violations of rules. In the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM 5 CD is labeled as Disruptive, Impulse Control and Conduct Disorders. For diagnosis of CD, the individual should present with three persistent behaviors in Conduct Disorder Rating Scales over a period of 12 months with at least one of them present in the last 6 months.

1. Children presenting with behavioral changes from Pediatric Outpatient Department and will be screened with questions developed based on DSM5 criteria.

2. After screening, using the Conduct Disorder Rating Scale the cases with Conduct Disorder, fulfilling inclusion criteria will be enrolled for the study, after approval from Psychiatrist.

3. The Informed consent form will be obtained from parents or caregiver based on the availability and priority.

4. Detailed case taking will be done in the case record format prepared for the study. Baseline Investigation will be done as per the need of the case.

5. Cases will be assessed at baseline with Conduct Disorder rating Scale and monthly assessment will be done using the Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder scale Parent Report Version.

6. Homoeopathic assessment will be done on every month using Modified Naranjo Criteria.

7. After the assessment of the case, through analysis and evaluation of the complete case, the individual totality is obtained and repertorization will be done with Synthesis Repertory. Final selection of remedy will be done in consulting with Homoeopathic Materia Medica.

8. After evaluation of each case, selected medicine will be prescribed in proper potency. On status quo, next higher potency will be prescribed. In case of no improvement or any new symptoms observed on consequent 3 months, the case will be retaken and change of remedy is proposed.

9. If any acute complaints, acute totality will be taken, and the appropriate remedy will be administered. All the Homoeopathic management part will be conducted following strict Homoeopathic Principles. Each case will be reviewed every 4 weeks interval.

10. Outcome of treatment will be assessed according to symptomatic improvement of the subjects and changes in conduct disorder rating scale parent version and clinician rated severity of conduct disorder, clinical global improvement scale on various time intervals as mentioned before.

11. The patients enrolled in the study will be followed closely by providing follow up charts and regular reminders will be given through phone or any other communications.