A review of the use of complementary and alternative medicines in bipolar disorder

Kirsteen L Moss; Gin S Malhi; Jim Lagopoulos

doi:10.1111/j.1399-5618.2007.00543.x

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A review of the use of complementary and alternative medicines in bipolar disorder

Abstract

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A review of the use of complementary and alternative medicines in bipolar disorder

Kirsteen L Moss, Gin S Malhi and Jim Lagopoulos

Bipolar Disorders, Vol.9(Supplement 2), p.19

Australasian Society for Bipolar Disorders Conference, 2007 (Sydney, Australia, 20-Sep-2007–22-Sep-2007)

2007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-5618.2007.00543.x

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Abstract

Clinical Sciences

Neurosciences

alternative medicine

bipolar disorder

treatment

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 Sydney
Gin S Malhi (Author) - University of Sydney
Jim 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.
Date published: 2007
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

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