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Published on: January 7, 2020
Complementary and alternative medicine therapies for perinatal depression
Kristina M Deligiannidis1, Marlene P Freeman2
1Center for Psychopharmacologic Research and Treatment, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue, North Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Women's Mental Health Specialty Clinic, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, USA.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies show promise for perinatal depression. More rigorous studies are needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness compared to standard treatments for pregnant and postpartum women.
Area of Science:
- Integrative psychiatry and women's reproductive mental health.
Background:
- Perinatal depression affects many women during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Increasing interest exists in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for CAM therapies in treating perinatal depression.
- To discuss the evidence-based use of CAM for perinatal depression.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence for specific CAM therapies: omega-3 fatty acids, folate, S-adenosyl-methionine, St John's Wort, bright light therapy, exercise, massage, and acupuncture.
- Discussion of safety and efficacy relative to standard treatments.
Main Results:
- Several CAM therapies may be considered for perinatal depression during pregnancy or postpartum.
- Systematic determination of safety and efficacy compared to standard treatments is lacking.
Conclusions:
- CAM therapies warrant consideration for perinatal depression, but require further rigorous investigation.
- Adequately powered systematic studies are essential to establish the role of CAM in perinatal depression treatment.
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