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Complementary and alternative medicine therapies to promote healthy moods

Kathi J Kemper1, Scott Shannon

  • 1Pediatrics and Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. kkemper@wfubmc.edu

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|December 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, impact many young people globally. Lifestyle changes and complementary therapies can significantly improve children

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric mental health
  • Mood disorders in youth
  • Child and adolescent psychiatry

Background:

  • Pediatric mood disorders (unipolar depression, bipolar disorder) are prevalent, persistent, and recurrent conditions.
  • Depression is a leading cause of global illness and disability in young people.
  • Positive mental health relies on healthy lifestyles and environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review fundamental lifestyle approaches for enhancing mental health in young people.
  • To explore the role of complementary therapies in supporting pediatric mood.
  • To provide clinicians with resources for promoting youth mental wellness.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of lifestyle interventions.
  • Analysis of complementary therapies for pediatric mood disorders.
  • Identification of resources for clinicians and families.

Main Results:

  • Healthy lifestyle choices and environments are crucial for positive mood.
  • Nutritional supplements, herbs, mind-body therapies, massage, and acupuncture show potential benefits.
  • Resources exist to aid clinicians in supporting patient mental health.

Conclusions:

  • Fundamental lifestyle adjustments are key to improving pediatric mental health.
  • Complementary therapies offer valuable support for young individuals with mood disorders.
  • Clinicians can leverage available resources to promote positive mental health outcomes in youth.

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