Efficacy and Safety of Homeopathy for Moderate Depression (Acute Phase)

Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of major depression by a psychiatrist, * patients must not be currently taking antidepressants or anxiolytic drugs (with the exception of Lorazepam as rescue medication, maximal dose 1.5 mg/day) * Capability and willingness to give informed consent and to comply with the study procedures will also be required Exclusion Criteria: * current mild episode of depression (HAM-D \< 17) * current severe episode of depression (HAM-D \> 24) * schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders * bipolar affective disorder * schizoaffective disorders * alcohol or other substance abuse * eating disorders * a clinically significant (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)-Axis II disorder * severe depression, which previously motivated a suicide attempt * a score of 4 or 5 in the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)up to three months before screening; * a clinically significant acute or chronic disease that would hinder regular participation in the study * treatment with antipsychotics, antidepressants, sedatives/hypnotics or mood stabilizers four weeks prior to the screening * complementary or alternative treatment simultaneously to the study (for example, acupuncture, phytotherapy, etc.) * homeopathic treatment eight weeks prior to study entry * psychotherapy * simultaneous participation in another clinical trial (the last participation in a previous clinical trial must be completed at least three months prior to screening) * concomitant pregnancy or breastfeeding * patients who are assumed to have a linguistic, intellectual or any other reason for not understanding the meaning of the clinical trial and for not complying with the necessary study procedures * persons who have been institutionalized by a court order * patients with an application for a pension