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Alternative medicine use by individuals with major depression
J L Wang1, S B Patten, M L Russell
1Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jwang@tupdean2.med.dal.ca
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|August 31, 2001
Summary
Alternative medicine (AM) use increased among individuals with major depression, with higher prevalence in women, educated individuals, and those with chronic conditions. Awareness of AM use is crucial for managing depressive disorders.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Major depression is a prevalent mental health condition.
- Understanding treatment patterns, including alternative medicine (AM), is vital for comprehensive care.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated AM utilization among depressed populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the utilization of alternative medicine (AM) in individuals diagnosed with major depression.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with AM use in this population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the National Population Health Surveys (1994-1997).
- Inclusion of subjects meeting criteria for major depression using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form for Major Depression (CIDI-SFMD).
- Logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with AM use.
Main Results:
- A significant upward trend in AM use was observed among individuals with major depression between 1994-1995 (7.8%) and 1996-1997 (12.9%).
- Factors positively associated with AM use included female sex, education exceeding 12 years, and the presence of one or more long-term medical conditions.
- The association between sex and AM use varied based on patient age.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers, including general practitioners and mental health specialists, should inquire about patients' use of both conventional and alternative treatments.
- Awareness of potential interactions between conventional and alternative therapies is essential.
- Enhanced communication and collaboration between conventional and AM providers may improve outcomes for patients with depressive disorders.