Integrative and Complementary Medicine in Psychiatry

This chapter focuses on Integrative and Complementary Medicine (ICM) treatments with plausible mechanisms of action, supported by evidence of safety and efficacy in clinical trials. The key mental illness disorders covered included: mood, anxiety, stress-related, trauma, sleep, psychotic disorders, attention and hyperactivity disorder, and neurocognitive disorders. The major interventions covered include herbal and nutritional medicines, mind-body approaches (e.g., yoga, tai chi, qigong, breathwork), and acupuncture. All of the interventions discussed have relatively low side-effect profiles and high margins of safety, particularly when compared to prescription medications. There is reason to believe that certain herbal and nutraceutical agents exert significant neurobiological effects, in addition to supporting healthier functioning of the nervous system. Although some valuable ICM treatments have not been generally used by physicians in the United States or approved for specific indications by the FDA, based on the available evidence of safety and efficacy, they are well worth consideration by clinicians who want to explore more options for improving their patients’ health and wellbeing. Clinicians need to be mindful of differences in quality and standardization among supplements produced by different companies. Further, in clinical practice, it may require several trials to design effective integrative treatments. A well-informed clinician is best qualified to help patients and families develop a safe, evidence-based integrative treatment plan.