Alternative Treatments Popular
May 15, 2001
American men and women who suffer from depression or anxiety have begun looking for alternative forms of treatment. This information comes from a new Harvard University survey. According to the survey, over half of those polled are currently using something other than traditional forms of treatment, including visiting a psychiatrist, psychologist, or family physician.
Dr. Ronald C. Sessler, a healthcare policy professor for Harvard University commented, "It's quite amazing how many people are using this stuff. I think it's clear that people's faith in institutions is going down - alternative therapy capitalizes on that."
The Harvard survey, which was conducted by telephone interviews, asked each person to comment on his or her mental health status and use of treatment. Of those surveyed, 7% said that they had experienced severe depression and another 9% stated that they had experienced anxiety attacks.
Findings from the survey showed that over half of the people who experienced depression or anxiety attacks had previously used or were currently using some alternative form of treatment. These new forms of treatment include new diets, vitamins, yoga, acupuncture, massages, spiritual healing and relaxation.
Despite the fact that these patients are using alternative forms of treatment, over two thirds of those surveyed also reported visiting a healthcare professional. "The kind of people who use alternative medicine have not rejected [conventional] medicine, they also go to doctors and they pray," stated Dr. Kessler.
This new survey brought an important issue to the surface. It is important for patients who are using alternative medicines to let their healthcare providers know what they are taking. This is especially important if their doctors will be prescribing conventional therapies or medications. Some conventional medications for anxiety or depression may have negative outcomes on patients who are using alternative forms of treatment. For example, patients who are using St. John's Wort and Prozac concurrently could experience nausea or confusion. Doctors who are aware of their patients' use of alternative therapies can monitor their patients and make sure that no adverse drug interactions take place.
More than half of the men and women surveyed said that their use of alternative therapies were "very helpful."
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
More ...
- FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Decorative Contact Lenses Without a Prescription and Professional Fitting
- Nevada Places Award Limit on Pain-and-Suffering Claims
- "Accused Maryland Truck Driver Awarded $705,000"
.