IM

Question 1

What does integrative medicine combine?

Answer 1

Conventional treatments, lifestyle interventions, and evidence-based complementary therapies.

Question 2

What limits the application of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) in CAM?

Answer 2

Publication bias, lack of data, and interpretation issues.

Question 3

Name three CAMs shown to benefit mild-to-moderate depression.

Answer 3

St. John’s Wort, S-adenosyl methionine, bright light therapy.

Question 4

Which CAMs are supported for chronic pain?

Answer 4

Acupuncture, massage, CBT, TENS.

Question 5

What CAMs may benefit patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer 5

Meditation, acupuncture, exercise, omega-3.

Question 6

Which CAMs are useful for menopausal hot flushes and mood symptoms?

Answer 6

Soy, isoflavones, black cohosh, CBT.

Question 7

What CAM interventions are helpful for asthma management?

Answer 7

Relaxation, diet (vitamins D & C, omega-3), yoga breathing.

Question 8

What is the role of CAM in cancer treatment?

Answer 8

Provides symptom relief (e.g., pain via massage); not curative.

Question 9

List CAMs with little or no supporting evidence.

Answer 9

Homeopathy, iridology, air ionisers, shark cartilage, mistletoe.

Question 10

What conditions can be influenced by mind-body interventions?

Answer 10

Depression, cardiovascular disease, pain perception, immune function.

Question 11

What are three physiological benefits of mindfulness meditation

Answer 11

Reduces cortisol/inflammation, increases telomerase activity, improves gene expression.

Question 12

What ethical principle must be respected when a patient refuses conventional care?

Answer 12

informed refusal.

Question 13

Which CAMs are often covered by private insurance in Australia?

Answer 13

Acupuncture, TCM massage, myotherapy.

Question 14

Which CAMs are typically not covered by private insurance?

Answer 14

Homeopathy, naturopathy, iridology.

Question 15

Which lifestyle factors reduce cancer risk and recurrence?

Answer 15

Low-fat, high fruit/veg diet; soy intake; regular exercise

Question 16

How does chronic psychological stress affect aging?

Answer 16

Causes telomere shortening, increased inflammation, and accelerates aging.

Question 17

How do meditation and relaxation affect biological aging?

Answer 17

Slow aging and enhance resilience.

Question 18

How does excess screen time affect youth mental health?

Answer 18

Linked to lower psychological well-being and academic performance.

Question 19

What protects youth mental health despite technology use?

Answer 19

Face-to-face social support and creative activities.

Question 20

What lifestyle habits help reduce dementia risk and improve cognition?

Answer 20

Mental stimulation, social engagement, physical activity, mindfulness.

Question 21

How can mind-body therapies impact cardiovascular disease?

Answer 21

By reducing stress, blood pressure, and inflammation through relaxation and mindfulness.

Question 22

How do CAMs affect immune function?

Answer 22

Mind-body interventions regulate cytokines and enhance immune resilience.

Question 23

What social factor reduces chronic disease risk and supports recovery?

Answer 23

Positive social support and community engagement.

Question 24

What does “informed refusal” mean in integrative medicine ethics?

Answer 24

A patient’s right to decline conventional treatment after proper disclosure, similar to informed consent.

Question 25

Why is placebo more effective in some conditions?

Answer 25

It works better in subjective conditions like pain, mood disorders, and sleep due to mind-body connection.

Question 26

What is the “allostatic load”?

Answer 26

The wear-and-tear on the body from chronic stress, leading to immune dysfunction, brain changes, and aging.

Question 27

How does mindfulness improve immune function?

Answer 27

It reduces inflammation (e.g., IL-6), enhances vaccine response, and balances immune markers.

Question 28

What lifestyle factors are protective in multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer 28

Omega-3s, exercise, social support, sunlight, and mindfulness.

Question 29

What are risks of excessive technology use in youth?

Answer 29

Lower psychological wellbeing, poor academic performance, and increased anxiety/depression.

Question 30

How does stress affect pregnancy?

Answer 30

Increases risk of low birthweight, preeclampsia, and long-term neurodevelopmental problems in offspring.

Question 31

What mental traits shorten telomeres?

Answer 31

Depression, hostility, pessimism, and high mind-wandering.

Question 32

What CAMs have shown promise in cancer support?

Answer 32

Acupuncture, massage, yoga, mindfulness, PHY906 (herbal), and curcumin for symptom relief.

Question 33

What are the physiological impacts of laughter?

Answer 33

Reduces stress hormones, inflammation, enhances mood, coping, and immune function.

Question 34

What are polyphenol-rich foods helpful in menopause and osteoporosis?

Answer 34

Soy, flaxseed, dried plums (contain phytoestrogens and lignans).

Question 35

What are the risks of unregulated CAM use during cancer treatment?

Answer 35

Over-reliance on CAM, delays in conventional treatment, and unknown interactions.

Question 36

What is the link between stress and cancer progression?

Answer 36

Chronic stress worsens prognosis, increases inflammation and reduces immune defense.

Question 37

What CAMs help asthma symptoms?

Answer 37

Acupuncture, massage, yoga breathing, vitamins C/D/E, omega-3, and antioxidant-rich diet.

Question 38

How does music affect mental health?

Answer 38

Music reduces stress markers and can improve symptoms in psychosis; genre may influence mood differently.

Question 39

Gingko biloba (EGb761) and Cognitive Impairment

Answer 39

Suggested overall benefits for stabilizing or slowing mental decline in cognition ○ 22-24 week treatment improved behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia

Question 40

anxiety CAMs

Answer 40

Kava (for generalised anxiety), exercise (for generalised anxiety), relaxation training (for generalised anxiety, panic disorder, dental phobia and test anxiety) and bibliotherapy have evidence ■ There is some evidence for acupuncture, music, autogenic training and meditation ○ Heavy kava use with co-morbid alcohol consumption or a liver condition leads to malnutrition, weight loss, liver damage, renal dysfunction, rashes etc (lots of problems)