The effects of homeopathic Argentum nitricum on test anxiety

OBJECTIVES: (1) To replicate a study of the efficacy of Argentum nitricum 12X in the reduction of test anxiety as demonstrated previously. (2) To investigate the correlation between individuals identified to match the A. nitricum profile and the reduction of test anxiety. To compare traditionally prepared homeopathic A. nitricum 12X with radionically-prepared A. nitricum 12X and placebo. DESIGN: A double blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial with three arms. SETTING: The study was conducted at Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia. SUBJECTS: Sixty-two test anxious university students. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomised to one of three groups: traditionally prepared homeopathic A. nitricum 12X, radionically-prepared A. nitricum 12X, or placebo. After screening, each group received treatment twice a day for 4 days after which they were re-tested. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary: The Revised Test Anxiety Scale. Secondary: The Test Anxiety Scale; 36-item A. nitricum questionnaire. RESULTS: The results of this study did not replicate the Stanton study. No correlation between the reduction of test anxiety and the A. nitricum profile was demonstrated. No significant differences between treatments were demonstrated. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that homeopathic A. nitricum 12X does not reduce test anxiety in a general population of university students.