Claire was 46 years old and working as an archaeologist in Brussels. She consulted me for the first time in 2005. She had two children, ages two and four. Her chief complaint was severe acne. A dermatologist diagnosed the problem and prescribed Roaccutane (Isotrétinoïne). It had no therapeutic effect but did elevate her liver enzymes (transaminase GO and GP). Stopping this medication helped normalize this situation.
She sees a psychiatrist for chronic depression. Through psychotherapy she was able to understand that she was really preyed upon by her despotic, tyrannical father. Her mother had always supported the behaviour of her husband. Claire was taking Seroxat (Paroxetine chlorhydrate) daily for her condition, but it did not help. She seemed resigned to suffering with this problem.
At age three she had recurrent otitis with perforation of the eardrum and had three subsequent operations at 5, 10 and 18 years.
The first menses were delayed.
She describes herself as fastidious and a “perfectionist”. She is always in a hurry.
She would weep very much during the interview. She feels want of self confidence without any reasons. She experiences recurring dreams that she is not able to do what she has to, and these are exhausting dreams.
She is always chilly, always lacking of vital heat. She is fond of ice cream.
She received Silicea three times in 4 years (30 K, 31 K and 32 K)
Follow – Up : She feels very good mentally and was able to stop taking the Seroxat. Her skin also improved.
Weaning from her psychiatrist took somewhat longer. I was trying to choose between Silicea and Pulsatilla, but Pulsatilla is warm blooded and has no thirst.
These were the symptoms repertorized:
MIND – AILMENTS FROM – domination – children; in
MIND – IMPATIENCE
MIND – FASTIDIOUS
MIND – WEEPING – sickness, when telling of her
GENERALS – HEAT – lack of vital heat
FEMALE GENITALIA/SEX – MENSES – delayed in girls, first menses
GENERALS – FOOD and DRINKS – ice cream – desire
EAR – INFLAMMATION – Media – chronic
Some homeopaths would have made this case much more complicated and it is to the author’s credit that he kept it simple and solved it so elegantly. It is a sign of skillful practice.