Pharmacist Check-In: Alternative Treatments for Depression

January 01, 2015

Pharmacist Check-In: Alternative Treatments for Depression Facts and Tips about Antidepressants By Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD

Depression is one of the most common reasons for using complementary and alternative therapies. Complementary and alternative treatments are a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not considered to be part of conventional medicine (medicine as practiced by medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy and other allied health professionals). Complementary and alternative therapies include diet, nutrition, and lifestyle changes; herbal medicine; manual healing methods; and mind-body techniques. These treatments seek to re-establish a balance or harmony within the body, mind, spirit, and lifestyle of the patient. This article provides an overview of the evidence available for common complementary and alternative treatments for depression. The amount of rigorous scientific data to support complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of depression is extremely limited. Find out which alternative and complementary treatments may be useful for mild depression. »

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