Abstract
A review of the use of complementary and alternative medicines in bipolar disorder
Bipolar Disorders, Vol.9(Supplement 2), p.19
Australasian Society for Bipolar Disorders Conference, 2007 (Sydney, Australia, 20-Sep-2007 - 22-Sep-2007)
2007
Abstract
Objective: Popularity of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in the treatment of bipolar disorder continues to grow as patients search for natural or more holistic alternatives to pharmacotherapy. In recent years research into the efficacy of CAM has increased however most of this focuses on depression per se rather than bipolar disorder, with few controlled studies targeting bipolar depression or mania. Hence, findings of research into CAM and bipolar disorders are critically reviewed. Method: Studies on the topic were identified through a literature search in Medline, PsychInfo, and EMBASE using the terms bipolar disorder, mania, hypomania, and depression in conjunction with the terms complementary/alternative medicine, complementary/alternative therapy, as well as the names of specific treatments. Further articles were identified from the bibliographies of published articles. Results: Results from previous studies of CAM and bipolar disorder are discussed with respect to treatment efficacy, methodological issues, and reported side effects. Conclusion: CAM is routinely used by patients with bipolar disorder. Controlled studies examining the treatment of bipolar disorder using CAM are needed to better understand the putative benefits and possible risks. Future research should evaluate not only efficacy but also the effectiveness and potential side effects of CAM treatments as both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy.
Details
- Title
- A review of the use of complementary and alternative medicines in bipolar disorder
- Authors
- Kirsteen L Moss (Author) - University of SydneyGin S Malhi (Author) - University of SydneyJim Lagopoulos (Author) - University of Sydney
- Publication details
- Bipolar Disorders, Vol.9(Supplement 2), p.19
- Conference details
- Australasian Society for Bipolar Disorders Conference, 2007 (Sydney, Australia, 20-Sep-2007 - 22-Sep-2007)
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.
- DOI
- 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2007.00543.x
- ISSN
- 1398-5647
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451196502621
- Output Type
- Abstract
Metrics
382 Record Views