CAM for major depressive therapy
The American Psychiatric Association’s Task Force on Complementary and Alternative Medicine reviewed the evidence and report their findings.
Here are their findings.
First, the details.
- The task force reviewed the medical literature on individual CAM treatments for major depressive disorder.
- CAM treatments were reviewed with regard to efficacy, as well as risks and benefits.
- Literature searches were limited to English-language publications from 1965 to January 2010.
And, the results.
- Consensus was reached by group conferences.
- Commonly used CAM treatments revealed promising results.
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- St John’s wort (Hypericum),
- Folate
- S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe)
- Acupuncture
- Light therapy
- Exercise
- Mindfulness psychotherapies
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “At this time, several CAM treatments appear promising and deserve further study. The greatest risk of pursuing a CAM therapy is the possible delay of other well-established treatments.”
6/29/10 20:13 JR