Use of Complementary and Integrative Medicine Among Low-Income Persons With Mental Health Disorders

To evaluate the use of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) among a low-income population with mental health diagnoses and to assess differences in social determinants of health (SDOH) on the basis of CIM use.

We surveyed patients with mental health diagnoses and/or substance use disorders during outpatient evaluations between August 11, 2020, and November 18, 2021, at a community behavioral health center in Rochester, MN. We measured knowledge of current CIM, interest in future use of CIM, and SDOH. Differences in mean number of SDOH risk factors were compared by use or nonuse of any CIM.

Among 102 patients, depression (87%) and anxiety (85%) diagnoses were common. Moreover, 72% of patients used at least 1 CIM. The 3 most common modalities were prayer (41%), spirituality (37%), and music (36%). CIM use had perceived benefits for mood (49%), stress (49%), and sadness (43%). One-third of patients added CIM to conventional treatments, and 19% reported that traditional medical treatments did not work well for their symptoms. More than two-thirds had not discussed their use of CIM with their physicians. Social isolation and loneliness were common. The number of SDOH risk factors did differ by use of CIM.

Prayer, spirituality, and music are frequently used by patients with mental health disorders and were perceived to be helpful in relieving symptoms. CIM use was not related to SDOH risk factors. Integrating CIM therapies may be beneficial for improving mental health in this population.