Abstract
M.Tech.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (hereinafter referred to as “PTSD”) is the diagnosis
encompassing a cluster of distressing symptoms which is characterized by re-experiencing
trauma, by avoidance behaviour and by hyper-arousal, symptoms which persist for more than
a month after a traumatic event and may worsen over time (Follette and Pistorello, 2007).
Where traumatic violence presents women easily develop chronic PTSD. The lifetime
prevalence, risk, tendency and persistence to suffer from the disease symptoms of PTSD, is
significantly higher in women compared with men. Women also experience a longer course of
illness and worse quality-of-life outcomes (Seedat S., Stein D. J. and Carey P.D., 2005).
Conventional treatment methods using antidepressants and mood-enhancers, are plagued by
numerous, documented side effects, such as cardiovascular complications, liver impairment,
neuropsychological changes, suicidal tendencies and aggression (Pacher and Kecskemeti,
2004, Gibbons R.D., Brown C. H., Hur, K., Marcus S.M., Bhaumik D.K., J.A., Herings
R.M.C. and Mann J.J. (2007). The homoeopathic complex t.r.s 200C® by Pegasus
Homeopathic is a commercial product which is indicated for the treatment of shock and
trauma, but there has so far been no other research in respect of its effectiveness in the
treatment of PTSD.
The aim of this research was to determine the efficacy of the homeopathic complex Pegasus
t.r.s 200C® on the symptoms of PTSD in women. Symptoms were assessed by means of a
modified DSM-IV criterion.
Thirty females aged eighteen-fifty-five were recruited by means of an advertisement placed at
The Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development (hereinafter referred to as “Nisaa”) (Appendix
A). All the participants were pre-diagnosed with PTSD lasting not longer than two years,
under supervision of a registered psychologist from the institution. Participants on chronic
medication, except for hypertensive medication, on contraceptives, as well as pregnant or
lactating women, were excluded from the study.
This research was done as a pre-test post-test non-equivalent group design with a double-blind
placebo-control (Robson, 1993; Trochim, 2006). Those who met the criteria were supplied
with a general information form (Appendix B), and were asked to sign a consent form
(Appendix C). They also completed a patient information and case-taking form and
underwent a physical examination (Appendix D).