Alternative therapies in psychiatry

Question 1

what is the difference between alternative and complementary

Answer 1

-alternative is instead of
- complementary is alongside or in addition to

Question 2

what are the 3 major modalities

Answer 2

1. physical manipulation- acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy
2. mind/body- mindfulness, hypnotherapy, visualisation, yoga
3. supplementation- heal, homeopathic, vitamins

Question 3

how is acupuncture used in physical manipulation

Answer 3

1. use of very fine needles inserted along specific points in body to allow flow of Chi energy
2. in some studies, shown to be effective and comparable to conventional drugs for both depression and anxiety
3. may affect serotonin, dopamine and GABA levels

Question 4

how is chiropractic and osteopathy used in physical manipulation

Answer 4

1. both use manipulation of bones and joints
2. most effective against some forms of musculoskeletal pain
3. claims made for positive effects beyond musculoskeletal system but poor evidence

Question 5

how are mind and body therapies used

Answer 5

1. work by reducing impact of exaggerated stress responses
2. reduce heart rate and blood pressure and ease respiration

Question 6

how is herbal supplementation used as an alternative therapy

Answer 6

1. via herbal practitioner
2. self selected
3. based on safety and quality
4. efficacy can be substituted by claim for long period of use
5. potential for drug interactions
   - eg. st johns wort

Question 7

how can homeopathic supplementation be used

Answer 7

1. philosophy
2. like cures like
3. increasing dilution increases potency

Question 8

describe the regulation of practitioners

Answer 8

1. only chiropractors and osteopaths are regulated
2. no statutory requirement for other practitioners

Question 9

what is involved in therapeutic alliance

Answer 9

1. role of the therapist is crucial
2. empirical evidence suggests there is benefit
3. use alongside conventional treatment