Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Mental Disorders Among African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and Whites

Abstract

Objectives-This study examined racial and ethnic differences in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the treatment of mental and substance use disorders.

Counseling students’ attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine integration in counseling practice

“…The list of traditional professional services includes services from the mental health sector (psychiatrists, mental health hotlines, psychologists, and other mental health professionals), the general medical care sector (family doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, and other health professionals), and the nonhealth care sector (religious advisors, counselors, and social workers). There is no report on reliability and validity of this checklist, although it is found that European-American participants were almost twice as likely to report any CAM use (Woodward et al, 2009).…”

“…The use of CAM by those managing mental illness had been shown to be relatively high (Grzywacz et al, 2006;Jarman, Perron, Kilbourne & Teh, 2010;Kilbourne, 2007;Mamtani & Cimino, 2002;Unutzer et al, 2000;Woodward et al, 2009). For adults who experienced mental health issues such as mood, anxiety, or substance use disorders, there was a tendency to use prayer/spiritual healing methods, vitamins and minerals consumptions, and/or cognitive approaches, such as relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and meditation (Kilbourne, 2007;Woodward et al, 2009). Grzywacz et al (2006) also noted that adults with mental health disorders commonly integrated relaxation techniques, spirituality practices, and herbs or multivitamins into their treatment.…”

“…No incentive (i.e., course credit or monetary reward) was provided to those who chose to participate in the study. All participants were required to complete a survey package that included a demographic questionnaire, the CAM use, a 20-item checklist of alternative therapies (Woodward et al, 2009), the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs Inventory (CAMBI; Bishop, Yardley & Lewith, 2005), and three-question survey to elicit participants' responses regarding their belief in CAM integration in counseling practice. The study was approved by the university Institutional Review Board.…”

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) and adherence to mental health medications

“…acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic, energy healing, exercise or movement therapy, hypnosis, imagery techniques, massage therapy, relaxation or meditation techniques, self-help and internet support groups, spiritual healing by others) and herbal remedies/supplements (herbal therapy (e.g., St. John’s Wort, chamomile), high dose mega-vitamins, homeopathy, special diets). CAM use was measured following the methodology of Woodward, Bullard, Taylor, Chatters, Baser and Perron [ 25 ]. Accordingly, “prayer or other spiritual practices” was not included in the CAM group [ 25 ].…”

“…CAM use was measured following the methodology of Woodward, Bullard, Taylor, Chatters, Baser and Perron [ 25 ]. Accordingly, “prayer or other spiritual practices” was not included in the CAM group [ 25 ]. The NCSR did include a question on the use of CAMs other than those on the list.…”