There’s interest in homeopathy’s potential as a non-pharmacological treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Here are both allopathic and homeopathic perspectives of the evidence. Continue reading Homeopathy for ADHD: Two perspectives
Acupuncture appears to be a common complementary option in fertility clinics.
This study from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in Camden, New Jersey concludes, “Acupuncture performed twice weekly during the follicular and luteal phase does not seem to improve pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).” Continue reading Acupuncture and pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization
Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist and a board certified lactation consultant from the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Her work focuses on family violence and perinatal health.
Here are her thoughts on postpartum depression. Continue reading Why new mums get depressed and what to do about it
Researchers from the Free University in Brussels used hypnosis to treat 28 patients who failed to respond to conventional treatments. It was either added to ongoing treatment or used alone. Continue reading Hypnosis to treat alopecia areata?
Using a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) appears more effective than “present-centered” therapy (talking about current problems) to treat female military veterans and active duty women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD).
Continue reading Using CBT to treat depressed female veterans
The Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study reports “Panic attacks are relatively common among postmenopausal women and appear to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in older women.”
Let’s review the study and then the CAM connection. Continue reading The health risks of panic attacks in postmenopausal women and CAM options
There are few clinical studies showing the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight loss.
Here’s one that does. Continue reading Electroacupuncture to treat obesity
This report provides a reason to review the past few months of CAM studies and reviews on depression. Continue reading Deadly depression in people with heart failure
Researchers from Chang Gung University College of Medicine in Taiwan reassessed the results (meta-analysis) from 10 double blind, placebo-controlled studies in more than 300 patients with mood disorders treated with omega-3 PUFAs for at least 4 weeks.
Here’s what they found. Continue reading Reviewing the antidepressant effects of omega-3 fatty acids
A study in the British Medical Journal concludes that adding weekly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine (Prozac) was no more beneficial for depressed adolescents than medication alone.
A closer look suggests the Adolescent Depression Antidepressant and Psychotherapy Trial (ADAPT) is not the definitive study on this subject.
Here’s why. Continue reading Should cognitive behavioral therapy be added to antidepressant therapy?
In 2003, Professor Edzard Ernst writing on the Cochrane Collaboration website concluded, “Compared with placebo, kava extract is an effective symptomatic treatment for anxiety although, at present, the size of the effect seems small.” Continue reading A critical review of herbals to treat anxiety and depression
Cananga odorata (common name, ylang-ylang; pronounced ee-lang ee-lang) is among the most celebrated flowering trees in the world. It was made famous by Coco Chanel in 1923 with the introduction of Chanel No.5 perfume,
Read on to find out why ylang-ylang oil is more than just an expensive scent.
These recommendations, from a group of experts, take a narrow view of Alzheimer’s disease. They focus on early detection and the use of existing prescription drugs.
That’s fine as far as it goes, but what about those with advanced Alzheimer’s? Why not develop a more comprehensive approach?
If I might quote Paul Harvey, “here’s the rest of the story.” Continue reading Dissapointing recommendations to treat Alzheimer’s disease
There’s growing interest in the potential effect of omega-3 fatty acids on depression and subsequent afflictions such as heart disease.
Here’s a study using the granddaddy of omega-3 formulations — cod-liver oil. Continue reading Using cod-liver oil to lower the risk of depression
The New York Times reports, “The [FDA] advisory panel voted unanimously, 14 to 0, against recommending the drug [rimonabant, Acomplia, Zimulti], saying there was inadequate evidence of its safety. The FDA is not required to follow this advice, but it typically does.”
The report is interesting to this blog because rimonabant works by blocking cannabinoids receptors in the brain. Continue reading Cannabinoid-receptor blocker will probably not be sold in the US
In a study of 60 nurses working in an Australian hospital 15 minutes of massage therapy once each week for 5 weeks reportedly reduced psychological stress levels compared to no massage.
Several academics and clinicians from Miami decided it was time to test Bach Original Flower Essence (BFE) Rescue Remedy. After all, it’s been sold since 1930.
Guess what? It reduced anxiety. Continue reading Putting Bach Flower Essence to the test
It’s used to treat a broad range of diseases, but nobody believes enough in the formula to do a controlled clinical study.
Why not? Continue reading The Myers’ formula treats what ails ya
That’s the conclusion from two researchers who reviewed 15 studies.
Here’s what they found.
Dr. Irene asks, “What was included with the MBSR? MBSR is not used in isolation of other treatments ” Unfortunately, the abstract doesn’t say.
If you’re interested, here’s a link with background on mindfulness therapies.
5/22/07 20:48 JR
Qigong (pronounced chee-kung) is an energy practice or low-impact exercise program that generally encompassing simple movements and postures. Some qigong systems also emphasize breathing techniques.
Here’s a summary of three qigong studies in patients published last year.