All over the world, people are using complementary (or alternative) medicines to treat illnesses, improve their general health and well-being, or enhance their quality of life. Many people think that complementary medicines are safer than conventional (doctor-prescribed) medicines because they are natural – but, in fact, there is relatively little known about the effectiveness and safety of a lot of complementary medicines. With so many different complementary medicines available, it is difficult for people to find accurate and objective information about which remedies are best for them, particularly when it comes to treating mental health problems.
Complementary Medicines for Better Mental Health
There are a wide range of complementary treatments available for mental health problems, particularly for conditions such as anxiety and depression, which Gillian Butler and Tony Hope, in their 2006 book Manage Your Mind, call the “common colds of the mind.” Complementary medicines for more serious conditions such as psychosis or schizophrenia are more limited, and it is inadvisable to try to treat serious mental illness with complementary medicines alone.
Herbal Remedies for the Mind
Most herbal remedies are derived from plants, making it difficult to know for certain what the active ingredients are or which part of the plant is necessary for the remedy to have effect. A lot of our knowledge about herbal remedies comes from information that is centuries old in origin. Unlike prescription medications, which have very precise dosage information, there is comparably little information about effective – and toxic – dosages of herbal remedies. It is always advisable to consult a holistic practitioner before commencing any herbal treatment. Herbal remedies can have side effects and counter-indications just the same as conventional medicines – but because they can be bought freely in health shops and online, they are potentially more dangerous than some prescription medicines.
The most commonly used herbal remedy for the mind is St John’s Wort. This remedy is primarily used as an antidepressant – but it can also help alleviate anxiety and sleeping problems. Whilst St John’s Wort can help mild to moderate depression, more severe cases will be better helped by anti-depressants.
St John’s Wort doesn’t have many side effects, but there are some precautions. It must not be taken with anti-depressants, and may interfere with other medications, such as the contraceptive pill, digoxin, warfarin and some asthma drugs, often making them less effective.
The herbal remedies valerian, passiflora, chamomile, hops, and lavender can be helpful in treating poor sleep and anxiety. These are remedies that have been used safely for centuries – but nonetheless little is known about how and why they work, or what their most effective dosages are.
The remedy Kava has in the past been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, but due to concerns that it may cause liver problems, it is no longer recommended. Similarly, the cognitive enhancer hydergine, whilst effective in improving brain function in people with dementia, can interact with anti-dementia and anti-depressant drugs, and may cause psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, and so is no longer recommended. Gingko, another cognitive enhancer, is safe for most people to use – but must be used with caution in people with bleeding disorders, or who take aspirin or other NSAID painkilling drugs, due to its blood-thinning properties.
Supplements for the Mind
Supplements such as vitamins and minerals are commonly taken for a wide range of health conditions, as well as for maintaining good general health. Supplements tend to have been researched more than other complementary remedies, so that more accurate dosage instructions are available. It is important not to exceed the stated maximum dose of any supplement unless on the advice of a holistic health practitioner.
Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oils have been shown to be helpful in improving depression, mood swings and psychosis, but should be used in conjunction with, not instead of, prescribed conventional medicines.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help enhance cognitive performance, and may also be helpful in treating the movement disorders caused by some antipsychotic medications. It should be used with caution, however, as it can be dangerous in high doses.
For the treatment of depression, the supplements folic acid, selenium, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and 5-hydroxytrypyophon (5-HTP) are commonly used with positive results. Whilst folic acid and selenium are best used in conjunction with anti-depressants, SAMe and 5-HTP should not be used with anti-depressants.
Acupuncture for the Mind
For many years, acupuncture has been used in the treatment of depression, sleep problems and anxiety. Traditional Chinese acupuncture works by placing needles along energy channels called meridans. It is believed that this restores the disturbed energy balance that causes illness.
Whilst traditional acupuncture can be helpful for mental health disorders, a more recent development, electro-acupuncture, which involves needles connected to a device emitting small electric currents, is thought to be more effective in treating depression.
Complementary or Conventional Medicine for the Mind: Finding the Balance
Many people turn to complementary medicine as an alternative to conventional medicine prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist, often because conventional medicine has unpleasant side effects, and complementary medicines are seen to be safer. However, when considering complementary medicines, it is important to remember that many herbal remedies can also have side effects, and that effective and safe dosages haven’t always been established. Also, some remedies can be taken in conjunction with conventional medicines, whilst others can’t. Nor is it advisable to suddenly stop taking conventional medicines in favour of complementary ones, as this may cause symptoms to worsen. A doctor or holistic health professional should always be consulted before embarking on any change in treatment.
Complementary medicines can be used to treat mental health problems, but, as with all medicines, should be used safely and under the advice of a professional.
Sources:
Butler, G and Hope, T (2006), Manage Your Mind, Oxford, Oxford University Press
Persaud, R (ed) (2007), The Mind: A User's Guide, London, Bantam Press
Martine Daniel - Hi There! I've always loved writing, and I was delighted in March 2009 when my first novel, The Fire in Your Eyes, was published, ...
Join the Conversation