Current evidence regarding the management of mood and anxiety disorders using complementary and alternative medicine

Abstract

This article is an updated review on the potential uses of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches for the management of patients with mood and anxiety disorders. We have focused this current paper on the different types of disorders and the CAM intervention which might be useful. This is in distinction to the prior paper which focused on the CAM interventions. In addition, we have provided a discussion of more recent studies that help to further inform practitioners about CAM interventions in these disorders. Mood and anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health issues affecting people today and there are many approaches towards their management. CAM interventions can include supplements, botanical remedies, meditation and spiritual practices, acupuncture, and dietary practices. There are a growing number of research studies on the effectiveness of CAM interventions in mood and anxiety disorders, and this review evaluates and critiques such data.

Keywords::

• acupuncture
• anxiety
• complementary and alternative medicine
• depression
• herbal supplements
• meditation
• mood disorders
• supplements
• yoga

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• To understand the application of complementary and alternative medicine therapies for the management of mood disorders.

• To understand the effectiveness of natural products and botanicals in the management of mood disorders.

• To understand how meditation-based practices help to improve levels of stress, depression and anxiety.

• To understand the importance of diet and nutrition in mood disorders.

• To understand potential adverse effects of complementary and alternative medicine treatments that are used for mood disorders.