Acupuncture/ pressure, Anxiety (Panic)/Depression, Exercise, Folic Acid, Light Therapy, Mindfulness, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, SAMe, St. John's Wort

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