Belief in God and psychiatric treatment outcomes
Belief in God is common and tied to mental health and illness in the general population. Researchers at McLean Hospital/Harvard...
Hopelessness and the value of CAM in ovarian cancer
It’s reported that 55% of patients with ovarian cancer acknowledge a fear of dying, and 32% experience loss of hope...
Religion lowers the risk of depression
It’s reported that the personal importance of religion or spirituality is associated with a lower risk for major depression. Researchers...
Acupuncture/ pressureInositolMilk ThistleObsessive CompulsiveOmega-3 Fatty AcidsReligion/ SpiritualitySt. John's WortYoga
CAM treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder
Standard therapies are of limited value for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Researchers at Swinburne University of Technology, in Australia, reviewed...
Trends in the use of prayer for health concerns
Researchers in Massachusetts and Virginia updated changes in this coping tool between 2002 and 2007.
Religion and major depression in adults
Researchers at Columbia University, in New York, previously reported that the personal importance of religion or spirituality was associated with...
Spirituality as a guide to care in advanced cancer
Patients with advanced cancer frequently use CAM. Researchers at the University of Toronto, in Canada, examined the use of CAM...
Benefits of music therapy for cancer patients
Having cancer may result in emotional, physical, and social suffering. Music interventions have been used to alleviate symptoms and treatment...
Spiritual retreat for depression in patients with heart disease
Researchers in the US compared the effects of a nondenominational spiritual retreat on depression and well-being following acute coronary syndrome...
Acupuncture/ pressureBiofeedbackCAM UseChiropracticDiet-MediterraneanE. DIETARYExerciseGuided ImageryHypnosisMassageRelaxationReligion/ SpiritualityVitamins
CAM in the US: Patterns of use
I’ve largely ignored these studies in the past, but perhaps it’s worth a second look. To start, this 1993 study...
Are those using CAM less likely to be immunized?
There’s concern that the use of complementary and alternative medications (CAM) may replace recommended preventive health practices. Researchers at Penn...
CAM use among cancer patients during drug trials
A key outcome of early cancer drug studies is the toxicity of a new experimental drug. The use of CAM...
Relaxation and prayer among people with asthma
During the National Conference in Pediatric Psychology, researchers at the University of Cincinnati reported that urban adolescents with asthma might...
Prayer as an alternative to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Joshua Knabb at Philhaven Hospital, in Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania tells us centering prayer overlaps with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which makes...
Survival with alternative therapy for breast cancer
Some breast cancer patients reject standard treatment, but data on outcomes for those choosing CAM as primary treatment are lacking....
Effect of religious faith on decisions by doctor providing end-of-life care
Researchers at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, in the UK compared the relationship between religious faith...
Does it matter where you pray?
“When people feel that they have a serious need for healing, they are willing to try almost anything,” say researchers...
Effect of religion on depression and hopelessness
Researchers from Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania studied this association in depressed older adults in mental health...
Spirituality and religion in healthcare: Finding common ground
Dr. Elaine Yuen is chaplain in the health care professionals program and research assistant professor in the Department of Health...
Spirituality in contemporary culture
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that approximately 38% of adults and 12% of children use...