Complementary and alternative medicine use by psychiatric inpatients

Psychol Rep. 2005 Feb;96(1):163-6. doi: 10.2466/pr0.96.1.163-166.

Abstract

82 psychiatric inpatients hospitalized for acute care were interviewed about their use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities. The clinical diagnoses of respondents included Depressive Disorder (61%), Substance Abuse (26%), Schizophrenia (9%), and Anxiety Disorders (5%). Analysis indicated that 63% used at least one CAM modality within the previous 12 mo. The most frequently used modality was herbal therapies (44%), followed by mind-body therapies such as relaxation or mental imagery, hypnosis, meditation, biofeedback (30%), and spiritual healing by another (30%). Physical modalities such as massage, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, and yoga were used by 21% of respondents. CAM therapies were used for a variety of reasons ranging from treatment of anxiety and depression to weight loss. However, most respondents indicated they did not discuss such use with their psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Complementary Therapies / methods*
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Phytotherapy / methods*