Download Chapter 30 CAM therapies

COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE
THERAPIES
OVERVIEW
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health conditions for which
adults use CAM.
Few CAM therapies claim to cure diseases; rather they propose to have therapeutic
benefits related to the reduction or relief of symptoms (sleep disturbances, anxiety,
irritability, depressed mood), and the promotion of well-being.
Nurses should always inquire about the use of CAM therapies in their assessments of
patients.
There is still a general lack of quality control for herbal products and unfounded or
exaggerated claims made about their safety and effectiveness.
Under the new regulations, manufacturers are required to identify the purity, strength,
composition, and associated adverse events of their dietary supplements.
DEPRESSION
Research supports the use of:
Acupuncture
Meditation
Yoga
Herbal products:
 St. John’s wort: do not take if on posttransplant antirejection drugs, oral contraceptives, statins,
protease inhibitors, antineoplastics, antiretrovirals, anticonvulsants, digoxin, theophylline, triptans, SSRIs,
and anticoagnulants.
 Melatonin
 SAMe: do not combine with other psychotropic meds and not be taken by patients with bipolar or
mania.
 Omega-3 essential fatty acids
DEPRESSION CONT’D
Exercise being muscle strength training, flexibility and cardio help lift mood, selfesteem, decrease tension and renew energy.
Massage
Light Therapy
Guided Imagery
ANXIETY
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Energy Therapies (Reiki or Qigong)
Yoga and Meditation
Acupuncture
Herbal Products
Kava: linked to severe liver damage; sedative & muscle relaxing effects
Valerian Root
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
Acupuncture
Yoga and Meditation
Biofeedback
Herbal Products: Kudzu helps reduce the desire to drink and have a relapse
EATING DISORDERS
Yoga and Meditation: less preoccupation with food and redirects focus
ADHD
Neurofeedback: superior effects in inattention and hyperactivity seen at post
intervention. Greater improvements in conduct disorder and homework problem
behavior.
DEMENTIAS
Herbal Products: Gingko biloba dilates blood vessels and increases blood supply,
reducing blood viscosity, decreasing free radicals and altering neurotransmitter
levels.
Energy Therapies: Reiki
NURSING IMPLICATIONS
Nurses should continue to follow the research literature to track the emerging
evidence regarding their effectiveness and safety.
Patients must be informed about both the risks and benefits associated with CAM
therapies as well as implications regarding delay of conventional therapies.