Complementary and alternative medicine

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511544392.009

7 - Complementary and alternative medicine

from Part II - Summary of treatment modalities in psychiatric disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 May 2010

Sally Guthrie and

George Lewith

Edited by

Peter Tyrer and

Kenneth R. Silk

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Sally Guthrie: Affiliation:
The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy Ann Arbor, MI USA
George Lewith: Affiliation:
Complementary Medicine Research Unit Mail Point OPH Royal South Hants Hospital Brintons Terrace Southampton UK
Peter Tyrer: Affiliation:
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London
Kenneth R. Silk: Affiliation:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

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Summary

Editor's note

While many claims are made for the effectiveness of treatment with herbs, minerals, homeopathy and acupuncture, the data that support their effectiveness are sparse. Regulations that govern these compounds and these treatments are much more lax than those laws and regulations governing other forms of treatment, and it is this lack of regulations that often can lead to claims that are not at all substantiated. The careful review presented here suggests that perhaps St John's wort has effectiveness in mild depression and kava in anxiety, though there is always the risk of liver damage. S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) is probably not effective. Valerian may, over a long period of time, provide some effectiveness for insomnia, and omega-3 fatty acids do appear effective in depression. Homeopathy has absolutely no data to support any effectiveness other than perhaps the relationship of the homeopath to the patient. Acupuncture may be helpful in nicotine dependence and alcohol withdrawal, but again the role of the relationship between the acupuncturist and the patient may be the key ingredient for any claims made to the effectiveness of this treatment.

Introduction

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a wide array of methods for treating illness and maintaining health. Perhaps the only thing consistent amongst these approaches is their lack of absolute acceptability as conventional medicine. Complementary medicine refers to practices or types of medicine used in combination with conventional medicine.

Type: Chapter
Information: Cambridge Textbook of Effective Treatments in Psychiatry , pp. 132 - 156

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511544392.009 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2008

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