Individualized homeopathic medicines in treating depression, anxiety, and stress in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) in adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and comorbid depression, anxiety, and/or stress. A total of 110 participants aged 50–70 years meeting ACR criteria for knee OA and having mild-to-moderate depression (DASS-21) were randomized (2:1) to receive IHMs plus concomitant care or placebo plus concomitant care for three months.
Psychological outcomes (DASS-21 depression, anxiety, and stress) and knee-related outcomes (KOOS, WOMAC, and MYMOP-v2) were assessed monthly. Multivariate linear mixed-effects models demonstrated a significant group-by-time interaction favoring IHMs for depression, anxiety, and stress (all p < 0.001). The homeopathy group also showed clinically meaningful improvements in pain, physical function, and knee-related quality of life across most KOOS and WOMAC domains, with large effect sizes. Responder rates were significantly higher in the IHMs group (59%) compared with placebo (11%). Mediation analysis indicated that pain reduction partially explained improvements in depression scores. No adverse events were reported.
These findings suggest that individualized homeopathic treatment, alongside concomitant care, may provide a safe and holistic complementary approach for addressing both psychological distress and functional impairment in knee osteoarthritis.