Depressed patients’ experiences with and perspectives on treatment provided by homeopaths. A qualitative interview study embedded in a trial

Introduction Depression is one of the clinical conditions patients most commonly consult homeopaths. This study therefore aimed to learn about patients’ experiences having this intervention. Methods A semi-structured qualitative interview study was nested within a randomised controlled trial to learn about depressed patients’ experiences with treatment provided by homeopaths. A purposive selection of adults with moderate to severe self-reported depression were included. Interviews were conducted post initial consultation and six months post-randomisation. Thematic analysis was used to develop themes describing participants’ experiences, thoughts and understandings. Results Forty-six interviews were carried out with 33 adults. Sixteen themes were developed and have been categorised under three main headings: 1) changed understanding of the intervention, with themes such as understanding the intervention as being adapted; 2) experiences with the consultation and the medication, such as caring support, trust and optimism arising from consultations with homeopaths; and 3) changes in state of health, such as improvement in mood, wellbeing and ability to cope, or little or no change, or transient adverse events. Conclusion This is the first qualitative study of depressed patients’ experiences with treatment provided by homeopaths. Results provide an insight into their experiences with consultations and homeopathic and antidepressant medication, their understanding of the intervention, and the changes in their state of health over time.