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<td bgcolor="#95a920" width="274" align="left" valign="top" class="title">Health Conditions A to Z</td>
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<option value='addiction.asp'>Addiction</option>
<option value='allergy.asp'>Allergy</option>
<option value='alzheimers.asp'>Alzheimers Disease</option>
<option value='angina.asp'>Angina</option>
<option value='anxiety.asp'>Anxiety</option>
<option value='asthma.asp'>Asthma</option>
<option value='atherosc.asp'>Atherosclerosis</option>
<option value='a_defecit.asp'>Attention Deficit Disorder</option>
<option value='backpain.asp'>Back Pain</option>
<option value='beingprost.asp'>Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia</option>
<option value='bronchitis.asp'>Bronchitis</option>
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<option value='candidiasis.asp'>Candidiasis</option>
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<option value='congestiveheart.asp'>Congestive Heart Failure</option>
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<option value='cystitis.asp'>Cystitis</option>
<option value='depression.asp'>Depression</option>
<option value='diabetes.asp'>Diabetes Mellitus</option>
<option value='diarrhea.asp'>Diarrhea</option>
<option value='eating.asp'>Eating Disorders</option>
<option value='endomet.asp'>Endometriosis</option>
<option value='epilepsy.asp'>Epilepsy</option>
<option value='female.asp'>Female Infertility</option>
<option value='fibro.asp'>Fibrocystic Breast Disease</option>
<option value='fibroids.asp'>Fibroids, Uterine</option>
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<option value='gumdisease.asp'>Gum Disease</option>
<option value='headache.asp'>Headache</option>
<option value='hemmorrhoids.asp'>Hemorrhoids</option>
<option value='hepatitis.asp'>Hepatitis</option>
<option value='herpes.asp'>Herpes Simplex</option>
<option value='hivaids.html.asp'>HIV/AIDS</option>
<option value='papillomavirus.asp'>Human Papillomavirus</option>
<option value='hypertention.asp'>Hypertension</option>
<option value='hypoglycemia.asp'>Hypoglycemia</option>
<option value='impotence.asp'>Impotence</option>
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<option value='nausea.asp'>Nausea and Vomiting During Chemotherapy</option>
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<option value='nauseaPost.asp'>Nausea and Vomiting Post-Operatively</option>
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<option value='osteoarthritis.asp'>Osteoarthritis</option>
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<option value='otitis.asp'>Otitis Media</option>
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<option value='parkinson.asp'>Parkinson's Disease</option>
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<option value='varicose.asp'>Varicose Veins</option>
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<p class="headline"><br>
Depression — Scientific Evidence</p>
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<p>Based on scientific evidence the following approaches have shown
to be effective. To review the supporting scientific evidence, select
a treatment option.</p>
<img src='images/square_green.gif' height='7' width='7' border='0' alt=''> <a target='_self' class=scievBoldGreenLink href='#acu'>Acupuncture</a><br>
<img src='images/square_green.gif' height='7' width='7' border='0' alt=''> <a target='_self' class=scievBoldGreenLink href='#cbt'>Cognitive Behavioral Therapy</a><br>
<img src='images/square_green.gif' height='7' width='7' border='0' alt=''> <a target='_self' class=scievBoldGreenLink href='#exe'>Exercise</a><br>
<img src='images/square_green.gif' height='7' width='7' border='0' alt=''> <a target='_self' class=scievBoldGreenLink href='#hrb'>Herbal Medicine</a><br>
<img src='images/square_green.gif' height='7' width='7' border='0' alt=''> <a target='_self' class=scievBoldGreenLink href='#msg'>Massage Therapy</a><br>
<img src='images/square_green.gif' height='7' width='7' border='0' alt=''> <a target='_self' class=scievBoldGreenLink href='#mus'>Music Therapy</a><br>
<img src='images/square_green.gif' height='7' width='7' border='0' alt=''> <a target='_self' class=scievBoldGreenLink href='#nut'>Nutrition/Supplementation</a><br>
<img src='images/square_green.gif' height='7' width='7' border='0' alt=''> <a target='_self' class=scievBoldGreenLink href='#ost'>Osteopathy</a><br>
<img src='images/square_green.gif' height='7' width='7' border='0' alt=''> <a target='_self' class=scievBoldGreenLink href='#pry'>Prayer</a><br>
<img src='images/square_green.gif' height='7' width='7' border='0' alt=''> <a target='_self' class=scievBoldGreenLink href='#rik'>Reiki</a><br>
<p>In order to help interpret the strength of the scientific evidence (the
level of proof) provided, descriptions of the different types of
studies, reviews and guidelines are available in the <a href="../glossary.asp">glossary</a>.
Please click on each term for a discussion of the topic: <a href="../glossary.asp?term=case">Case
review</a>, <a href="../glossary.asp?term=consensus">consensus
statement</a>, <a href="../glossary.asp?term=control">controlled
clinical trial</a>, <a href="../glossary.asp?term=guidelines">guidelines
and recommendations</a>, <a href="../glossary.asp?term=literature">literature
review</a>, <a href="../glossary.asp?term=meta">meta-analysis</a>,
<a href="../glossary.asp?term=multi">multi-center study</a>,
<a href="../glossary.asp?term=outcome">outcome study</a>, <a href="../glossary.asp?term=systematic">systematic
review</a>.
</p>
<p><span class='scievModListSubhead'><a name='acu'></a>Acupuncture</span><br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Roschke J, Wolf C, Muller MJ, et al <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Department of Psychiatry, University of Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55101, Mainz, Germany. roeschke@goofy.zdv.uni-mainz.de <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
The benefit from whole body acupuncture in major depression. <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Journal of Affective Disorders. 57(1-3):73-81, 2000 <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, controlled clinical trial <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
placebo acupuncture applied at non-specific locations and a control group
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
70 inpatients with a major depressive episode pharmacologically treated with the antidepressant mianserin<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
the verum group = subjects had acupuncture applied at specific points considered effective in the treatment of depression, given 3 times a week for 4 weeks <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
psychopathology was rated by judges (who were blind to verum/placebo conditions) twice a week over 8 weeks <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Patients who received acupuncture improved slightly more than patients treated with mianserin alone. However, no differences were seen between the verum group and the placebo group who had acupuncture applied non-specifically. Acupuncture, in addition to treatment with antidepressants, may improve the course of depression more so than medication alone. Further studies are necessary to test if acupuncture works well with other antidepressants besides mianserin as well as to see if similar results are found in larger trials.<br>
<img height=7 src='images/square_green.gif' width=7 border=0>
<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../complement/accu_how.asp'>How it Works</a>
<img height=1 src='images/spacer.gif' width=15 border=0>
<img height=7 src='images/square_green.gif' width=7 border=0>
<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../center/appt.asp'>How to Make an Appointment</a>
<img height=1 src='images/spacer.gif' width=15 border=0>
<img height=7 src='images/square_green.gif' width=7 border=0>
<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../glossary.asp'>Glossary</a>
</p>
<p><span class='scievModListSubhead'><a name='cbt'></a>Cognitive Behavioral Therapy</span><br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Bolton PG, Fergusson KJ, Parker SM<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
General Practice Casualty, Balmain Hospital, Balmain NSW 2041. Sharon@gpc.bal.cs.nsw.gov.au <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
randomised controlled trial of cognitive-behavioural therapy and routine GP care for major depression <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Medical Journal of Australia. 175(2):118-9, 2001<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, controlled clinical trial <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
standard GP care <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
17 patients with moderate depression
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
GP care along with 8 – 10 cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a validated self-rating scale<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
The researchers found that the addition of a cognitive-behavioral therapist to usual GP care can improve outcomes for depressed patients in general practice. Larger studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Clarke GN, Rohde P, Lewinsohn PM, et al<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR 97227-1098, USA <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Cognitive-behavioral treatment of adolescent depression: efficacy of acute group treatment and booster sessions<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 38(3):272-9, 1999<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, controlled clinical trial<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
wait-list <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
123 adolescents with major depression or dysthymia<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
adolescent group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) alone (16 two-hour sessions for 8 weeks) or the same adolescent group CBT but with a parent present<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
self-reported depression, clinical evaluation, and follow-up evaluations. The subjects who received CBT were randomly re-assigned to 1 of 3 methods of assessment during the 24 month follow-up period: 1) assessments every four months with booster CBT sessions; 2) assessments only every 4 months; or 3) assessments only every 12 months
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
This study examined the effects of both acute and maintenance CBT for adolescents. Researchers found that cognitive-behavioral groups showed a significant depression recovery rate over wait list participants as well as a greater reduction in self-reported depression. They found little difference in cognitive-behavioral groups with or without parents. The booster CBT sessions did not reduce the recurrence in the follow-up period but appeared to accelerate recovery among participants who were still depressed at the end of the acute phase. They concluded that the study supported the growing body of evidence that suggests cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective intervention for adolescent depression.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Curry JF <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Duke Child and Family Study Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Specific psychotherapies for childhood and adult depression. <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Biological Psychiatry. 49(12):1091-100, 2001 <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
review (44 references) <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
not applicable <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
not applicable <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
not applicable <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
not applicable <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) administered in school settings to pre-adolescent children with elevated depressive symptoms has proven superior to no treatment or to wait-list controls in almost all studies. One child study indicated that CBT is better than alternative psychosocial intervention during acute treatment but not at longer term follow-up. In the child studies reviewed, no one type of CBT was proven more effective than another. Seven of nine adolescent studies demonstrated that CBT was more beneficial than a wait-listing condition or than a non-CBT alternative psychotherapy at the end of acute intervention. For longer term follow-up, CBT showed similar results to other forms of psychotherapy in regards to rates of remission or recovery. CBT did, however, show more rapid remission of symptoms than family or supportive therapy. In two acute treatment studies, interpersonal therapy also demonstrated more effectiveness than a wait-list condition or minimal contact clinical management. More research is necessary to assess the comparative efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions, antidepressant medication, and their combination. This research will lead to the development of optimal treatment strategies for facilitating remission and preventing relapse of depression.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Reinecke MA, Ryan NE, DuBois DL<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Cognitive-behavioral therapy of depression and depressive symptoms during adolescence: a review and meta-analysis<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 37(1):26-34, 1998<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
meta-analysis<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
This article critically reviews the literature on cognitive-behavioral therapy with depressed and dysphoric adolescents. Fourteen post-treatment-control comparisons and ten follow-up control comparisons were made, using six studies containing 217 subjects. Results indicate that short and long term effects of cognitive-behavioral approaches for treating adolescents with depression are positive. <br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Rossello J, Bernal G<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Department of Psychology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00931. jmross@prtc.net<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal treatments for depression in Puerto Rican adolescents.<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 67(5):734-45, 1999<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, controlled clinical trial<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
waiting list (WL)<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
71 adolescents <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal psychotherapy (IP)<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3 month follow-up measures of depression symptoms, self-esteem, social adjustment, family emotional involvement and criticism, and behavioral problems<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Results indicated that both cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms. IP was superior to the controls in increasing self-esteem and social adaptation. Researchers concluded that both approaches are effective treatments for depressed adolescents.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Teasdale JD, Segal ZV, Williams JM, et al <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, UK. John.teasdale@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, controlled clinical trial <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
standard therapy
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
145 recovered recurrently depressed patients
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
relapse/recurrence to major depression assessed over the 60-week study period <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
This study evaluated MBCT, a group intervention designed to train recovered recurrently depressed patients to disengage from mood-related depressive thinking that may mediate relapse/recurrence. For patients with 3 or more previous episodes of depression (77% of the sample), MBCT significantly reduced the risk of relapse/recurrence. MBCT was not effective in reducing relapse/recurrence for subjects who had only 2 previous episodes of depression. The researchers believe that MBCT offers a promising cost-efficient psychological approach to preventing relapse/recurrence in recovered recurrently depressed patients.<br>
<img height=7 src='images/square_green.gif' width=7 border=0>
<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../complement/cog_how.asp'>How it Works</a>
<img height=1 src='images/spacer.gif' width=15 border=0>
<img height=7 src='images/square_green.gif' width=7 border=0>
<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../center/appt.asp'>How to Make an Appointment</a>
<img height=1 src='images/spacer.gif' width=15 border=0>
<img height=7 src='images/square_green.gif' width=7 border=0>
<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../glossary.asp'>Glossary</a>
</p>
<p><span class='scievModListSubhead'><a name='exe'></a>Exercise</span><br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Moore KA, Blumenthal JA<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc. Lutz, Fla, USA<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Exercise training as an alternative treatment for depression among older adults<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 4(1):48-56, 1998<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
review (91 references)<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
The results of this review indicate that exercise programs have anti-depressive effects. Aerobic exercise is more effective than placebo or no treatment controls, and appears to be as effective as traditional treatment methods. The reviewers note that it is difficult to fully determine the effects of exercise on depression in older adults due to certain methodological problems that can arise. The article suggests some possible directions for future research.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Paluska SA, Schwenk TL<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Rex Sports Medicine Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA. scott.paluska@rexhealth.com<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Physical activity and mental health: current concepts. <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Sports Medicine. 29(3):167-80, 2000 <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
review (101 references) <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
not applicable <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
not applicable <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
not applicable <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
not applicable <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Physical activity may play an important role in the management of mild-to-moderate mental health diseases, especially depression and anxiety. People with depression tend to be less physically active than non-depressed individuals. Yet increased aerobic exercise or strength training has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms significantly. Anxiety symptoms and panic disorder also improve with regular exercise, and the beneficial effects from exercise appear to match those achieved through meditation or relaxation techniques. In general, acute anxiety responds better to exercise than chronic anxiety. There have been a limited amount of studies involving specific depressed populations, such as older adults and adolescents, but physical activity appears to be beneficial for these groups as well. The reviewers noted, however, that habitual exercise has not been shown to prevent the onset of depression. The reviewers concluded that well controlled studies are necessary to clarify the mental health benefits of exercise among various populations and to address directly processes underlying the benefits of exercise on mental health.<br>
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</p>
<p><span class='scievModListSubhead'><a name='hrb'></a>Herbal Medicine</span><br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Brenner R, Azbel V, Madhusoodanan, et al<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Far Rockaway, New York<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Comparison of an extract of hypericum (LI 160) and sertraline in the treatment of depression: a double-blind, randomized pilot study<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Clinical Therapeutics. 22(4):411-9, 2000<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
sertraline 50 mg daily for one week, followed by sertraline 75 mg daily for 6 weeks<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
30 patients (19 women, 11 men, mean age 45.5 years) with mild to moderate depression<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
600 mg daily of standardized extract of hypericum (St. John’s wort) for one week, followed by 6 weeks of hypericum 900 mg per day<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Clinical Global Impression Scale<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
The goal of this study was to compare hypericum to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as setraline, for the treatment of depression. Researchers found that the severity of symptoms was significantly reduced in both treatment groups, and both agents were well tolerated. There was not a significant difference between the effectiveness of the two agents. They therefore concluded that hypericum extract was at least as effective as sertraline in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Field HL, Monti DA, Greeson JM, et al <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
St. John’s Wort <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine. 30(3):203-19, 2000 <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
review (93 references) <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
The reviewers noted that most of the data available on the efficacy and safety of St. John’s wort involves its use in mild to moderate depression. Although most of the studies reviewed indicated a positive benefit from the administration of St. John’s wort, the reviewers could not draw any definitive conclusions regarding its effectiveness for treatment of depression due to the varying quality of the therapeutic trials. Further controlled studies are necessary to determine its effectiveness, safety, and mode of action. In addition, future trials will help establish optimal dosages, its success rate over longer treatment periods, and the value of its use in the treatment of severely depressed patients. The reviewers also mentioned that St. John’s wort may have therapeutic effects in other conditions such as malignancies and infections, but the studies are far too preliminary to permit any conclusions.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Gaster B, Holroyd J<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. barakg@u.washington.edu<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
John’s wort for depression: a systematic review
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Archives of Internal Medicine. 160(2):152-6, 2000<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
review (40 references)<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
This review identified eight randomized controlled, double-blind clinical trials of St. John’s wort with sound methodology. The data from these trials demonstrated that St. John’s wort is more effective than placebo in treating mild to moderate depression, but slightly less effective than tricyclic antidepressants. The researchers indicated that further studies are needed to better determine the efficacy of St. John’s wort for severe depression. They also mentioned that St. John’s wort is currently largely unregulated, but the FDA is working on appropriate regulations.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Shelton RC, Keller MB, Gelenberg A, et al <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville Tennessee, USA. richard.shelton@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Effectiveness of St. John’s wort in major depression: a randomized controlled trial
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
JAMA. 285(15):1978-86, 2001<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
a 1-week, single blind run-in of placebo, followed by placebo for 8 weeks in 102 patients<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
200 adult outpatients (mean age 42.4 years, 67% female, 85.9% white) diagnosed as having major depression and having a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score of at least 20, the clinical trial was conducted between November 1998 and January 2000 in 11 academic medical centers in the United States <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
a 1-week, single blind run-in of placebo, followed by St. John’s wort (n = 98, 900 mg/day for 4 weeks, increased to 1,200 mg/day in the absence of an adequate response thereafter) for 8 weeks <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
Hamilton Rating Score for Depression (HAM-D)
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
The number reaching remission of illness was slightly higher with the St. John’s wort than with placebo, but the rates were very low in the full intention-to-treat analysis. St. John’s wort was safe and well tolerated. Headache was the only adverse event that occurred with greater frequency in the St. John’s wort group versus the placebo group. The researchers concluded that in this study, St. John’s wort was not effective for treatment of major depression.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Woelk H<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Klinik fur Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universitat Giessen. D-35394 Giessen, Germany<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Comparison of St. John’s wort and imipramine for treating depression: a randomized controlled trial.<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
BMJ. 321(7260): 536-9, 2000<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
imipramine 75 mg twice daily for 6 weeks<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
324 patients with mild to moderate depression from 40 outpatient clinics in Germany
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
250 mg hypericum extract ZE 117 (St. John’s wort extract) twice daily for 6 weeks<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
Hamilton depression rating scale, clinical global impression scale, and patient’s global impression scale. <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Researchers found that this hypericum extract was therapeutically equivalent to imipramine in treating mild to moderate depression, with patients tolerating hypericum better.<br>
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<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../glossary.asp'>Glossary</a>
</p>
<p><span class='scievModListSubhead'><a name='msg'></a>Massage Therapy</span><br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Field T, Grizzle N, Scafidi F, et al<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Touch Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33101, USA<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Massage and relaxation therapies’ effects on depressed adolescent mothers.<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Adolescence. 31(124):903-11, 1996<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, controlled, clinical trial<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
ten 30 minute sessions of relaxation therapy over 5 weeks<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
32 depressed adolescent mothers<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
ten 30 minute sessions of massage therapy over 5 weeks<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
behavioral and laboratory assessments, including salivary cortisol levels, stress hormone levels, and urine cortisol levels<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Both groups reported lower anxiety following their first and last sessions. However, the massage group showed both behavioral and stress hormone changes marked by a decrease in anxious behavior, pulse, and salivary cortisol levels. Following the five weeks of treatment, a decrease in urine cortisol levels further indicated lower stress levels for the massage therapy group. Future studies involving a larger population may help support these findings. <br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Jones NA, Field T<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter 33458, USA<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Massage and music therapies attenuate frontal EEG asymmetry in depressed adolescents.
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Adolescence. 34(135):529-34, 1999<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, controlled clinical trial<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
music therapy<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
30 depressed adolescents with greater relative right frontal activation<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
massage therapy<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
EEG measurement recorded for three-minute periods before, during, and after therapy<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Researchers found that greater relative right frontal activation in EEGs, which is associated with negative affect in depressed individuals, was significantly reduced during and after both massage and music sessions.<br>
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<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../center/appt.asp'>How to Make an Appointment</a>
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<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../glossary.asp'>Glossary</a>
</p>
<p><span class='scievModListSubhead'><a name='mus'></a>Music Therapy</span><br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Hanser SB, Thompson, LW<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Stanford University School of Medicine<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Effects of a music therapy strategy on depressed older adults.<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Journal of Gerontology. 49(6):P265-9, 1994<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, controlled, clinical trial<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
waiting list<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
30 older adults with major or minor depressive disorder <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
subjects were assigned to one of three music therapy groups that lasted for 8 weeks: 1) a home-based program where participants learned music listening stress reduction techniques at weekly home visits by a music therapist; 2) a self-administered program where participants applied these same techniques with moderate therapist intervention (a weekly telephone call); or 3) the wait-list control group<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
standardized tests of depression, distress, self-esteem, and mood<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Participants in both music groups showed significant improvement in all measured areas over the waiting list group. Improvements were maintained over the nine month follow-up period. Researchers concluded that listening to music may be a beneficial, cost-effective intervention for housebound elderly depressed individuals.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Lai YM<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Taiwan, Republic of China<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Effects of music listening on depressed women in Taiwan.
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Issues in Mental Health Nursing. 20(3):229-46, 1999<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, controlled clinical trial<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
listening to a sound<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
30 depressed women<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
listening to music<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
pre- and post-listening measurements of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and a questionnaire examining mood pre- and post-listening<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Researchers found significant changes in all post-test measures, indicating that music helped place depressed women in a tranquil state. They concluded that music listening should be considered as a body-mind healing modality for depressed women.<br>
<img height=7 src='images/square_green.gif' width=7 border=0>
<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../complement/music_how.asp'>How it Works</a>
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<img height=7 src='images/square_green.gif' width=7 border=0>
<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../center/appt.asp'>How to Make an Appointment</a>
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<img height=7 src='images/square_green.gif' width=7 border=0>
<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../glossary.asp'>Glossary</a>
</p>
<p><span class='scievModListSubhead'><a name='nut'></a>Nutrition/Supplementation</span><br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Alpert JE, Mischoulon D, Nierenberg AA, et al <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachussetts General Hospital and the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA. jalpert@partners.org <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Nutrition and depression: focus on folate
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Nutrition. 16(7-8):544-6, 2000 <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
review (49 references) <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
The reviewers noted that in the studies where depressed patients were compared with psychiatric or non-psychiatric control subjects, depressed patients were found to have serum folate, red blood cell folate, or serum methltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) levels that were lower than other groups, except for patients with alcoholism who had a similar prevalence of low folate. Certain studies revealed a positive relationship between folate levels and response rate to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, such as Prozac. Studies on folate deficiency and replacement therapy in neuropsychiatric disorders have helped elucidate some of the characteristics of the relationship between folate and depression. Yet the reviewers pointed out that the clinical relevance of these findings may be limited due to the fact that much of the data was collected prior to folic acid fortification programs and before public awareness about the possible health benefits of folate dramatically increased. The reviewers concluded that assessment of folate status should be included in any comprehensive medical work-up for patients not responding to antidepressants or for populations at risk of folate deficiency (such as alcoholics, or people with genetic disorders affecting metabolism or absorption). <br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Bottiglieri T, Laundy M, Crellin R, et al<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Department of Neurology, King’s College Hospital, London, UK<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Homocysteine, folate, methylation, and monoamine metabolism in depression<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. 69(2): 228-32, 2000<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
controlled, clinical trial<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
two control groups comprised of 18 healthy volunteers and 20 patients with neurologic disorders<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
46 inpatients with severe DSM III depression<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
hematological studies<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
blood counts, serum and red cell folate, serum vitamin B12, total plasma homocysteine; and in 28 patients, CSF folate, S-adenosylmethionine, and the monoamine neurotransmitter metabolites 5HIAA, HVA, and MHPG were also examined; the control group of 20 patients with neurologic disorders underwent CSF examination for diagnostic purposes
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Previous studies indicate that folate deficiency may occur in up to one third of patients with severe depression and that treatment with the vitamin may improve mental states. This study found that by using total plasma homocysteine as a sensitive measure of functional folate deficiency, a biological subgroup of patients with depression who have folate deficiency, impaired methylation, and monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism can be identified. Detection of this subgroup cannot be achieved by routine blood counts, and therefore these studies are important because they can become a measure for determining whether vitamin supplementation will be helpful for certain depressed individuals.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Bruinsma KA, Taren DL<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
University of Arizona College of Public Health, Tucson<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Dieting, essential fatty acid intake, and depression.
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Nutrition Reviews. 58(4): 98-108, 2000<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
review (116 references)<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Several studies have found an association between low serum cholesterol, depression, and hostility; yet others have found no relationship or that the relationship is age dependent (present only in older age groups 70 years or older. The reviewers believe a possible confounding factor in these studies is the change in level of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) following cholesterol reduction. Both cholesterol lowering drugs and dietary changes aimed at lowering total serum cholesterol cause increasing PUFAs in the body. Dietary PUFAs are usually in the form of corn and soybean oil and both contain high concentrations of n-6 fatty acids. A recent study revealed that high intake of n-6 fatty acids in relation to n-3 fatty acids was associated with increased levels of depression. The reviewers also describe several studies in which the overall level of n-3 fatty acids rather than the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids served as a better predictor of affective mood state. The reviewers concluded that the relationship between essential fatty acids, dieting behaviors, and depression remains unclear. They recommend that dietary advice regarding serum cholesterol reduction, cancer prevention, and weight loss should emphasize the importance of obtaining adequate n-3 fatty acids. They noted that this review raises the question of whether an extremely low-fat diet may be counterregulatory and have harmful psychological effects. Further studies are needed to understand the relationships among essential fatty acid intake, brain lipid compositional changes, dietary behaviors, the psychological effects of dietary restriction and depression.
<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Cauffield JS, Forbes HJ<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Florida<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Lippincott’s Primary Care Practice. 3(3):290-304, 1999<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
review (59 references)<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Patients often take dietary supplements because of reluctance to take prescription drugs. Clinical studies comparing dietary supplements with both low (maprotiline, amitriptyline, or imipramine at 75 mg/day) and high (imipramine at 150 mg/day) dose antidepressants found no significant difference between treatments. Clinical trials indicate that kava kava is superior to placebo in the treatment of anxiety. The authors concluded that health professionals need to become more familiar with the evidence supporting the use of dietary supplements as well as any risks involved in the treatment of depression.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Coppen A, Bailey J <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
MRC Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, West Park Hospital, KT19 8PB, Surrey, Epsom, UK<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Enhancement of the antidepressant action of fluoxetine by folic acid: a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Journal of Affective Disorders. 60(2):121-30, 2000 <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, controlled clinical trial <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
placebo plus 20 mg fluoxetine daily <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
127 patients who met the DSM-III-R criteria for major depression and had a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale score for depression of 20 or more<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
500 microg folic acid plus 20 mg flouxetine daily<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
plasma folate and homocysteine levels measured at baseline and at 10 weeks, Hamilton Rating Scale score <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Poor response to antidepressants has previously been linked to a low plasma and red cell folate level often found in depressed patients. This investigation sought to determine whether the co-administration of folic acid would enhance the antidepressant action of fluoxetine. Patients receiving folate showed a significant increase in plasma folate. This increase was lower in men than in women. Plasma homocysteine significantly decreased in women, but there was no significant change in men. 93.9% of the women in the flouxetine plus folate group experienced a greater than 50% reduction in Hamilton Rating Scale score as compared to 61.1% of the women receiving the placebo. These results indicate that folic acid is a simple method of greatly improving the antidepressant action of fluoxetine and probably other antidepressants. The researchers suggest folic acid should be given in doses sufficient enough to decrease plasma homocysteine. Men require a higher dose of folic acid to achieve this than women, but further research is required to ascertain the optimum dose of folic acid.
<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Morelli V, Zoorob RJ<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans.<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Alternative therapies: Part I. Depression, diabetes, obesity.
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
American Family Physician. 62(5): 1051-60. September,2000<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
Review article<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Reviewers examine the effects of various nutritional supplements on depression, diabetes and obesity. In relationship to depression, St. John’s wort was found to act as a weak selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with fewer side effects than conventional medications. S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) has shown enough of an antidepressant effect to warrant further research. <br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Lehtinen M. Luostarinen T. Youngman LD, et al. <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Low levels of serum vitamins A and E in blood and subsequent risk for cervical cancer: interaction with HPV seropositivity<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Nutrition & Cancer. 34(2):229-34, 1999<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
case-control study <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
405,000 women followed up for, on average, 4 years. Blood samples from 38 prospective cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed between 1985 and 1994 and 116 controls matched for age, country, and sample storage time were available for the study. <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
not applicable<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Levels of retinol or unoxidized alpha-tocopherol in the blood were not risk factors for cervical cancer. However, joint-effect analysis of low levels of retinol disclosed statistically significant synergistic interaction with HPV (HPV16, HPV18, or HPV33) seropositivity. Retinol might act as an effect modifier of the HPV-associated risk for cervical cancer; exposed women may require adequate levels for immunologic surveillance of HPV.<br>
</p>
<p><span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Palan PR. Chang CJ. Mikhail MS, et al. <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Plasma concentrations of micronutrients during a nine-month clinical trial of beta-carotene in women with precursor cervical cancer lesions<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Nutrition & Cancer. 30(1):46-52, 1998<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized placebo controlled trial <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
placebo supplementation<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
69 patients participating in a nine-month randomized placebo controlled trial conducted to examine efficacy of beta-carotene to induce regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
oral supplementation of a 30-mg dose of beta-carotene <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
blood samples were collected and the levels of six micronutrients were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
In the supplemented group, mean plasma beta-carotene levels were significantly higher than baseline and remained markedly elevated for 15 months. In the longitudinal analysis of the placebo group, there were no variations among individual mean plasma levels of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, retinol, gamma-tocopherol, or alpha-tocopherol, suggesting absence of seasonal or dietary changes. In the placebo group, cigarette smoking and steroid contraceptive use were significantly associated with low levels of plasma beta-carotene. However, in contrast, in the beta-carotene-supplemented group, steroid contraceptive use had no influence on the plasma beta-carotene levels. An additional noteworthy finding was that beta-carotene supplementation did not reverse the depletion effect in smokers. There was no association between the plasma levels of these six micronutrients in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and persistent human papillomavirus infection status in the placebo or the supplemented groups. Functional sequential nutrient interactions with each other or with other essential micronutrients and possible long-term toxicity need to be addressed in clinical trials.
<br>
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</p>
<p><span class='scievModListSubhead'><a name='ost'></a>Osteopathy</span><br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Plotkin BJ, Rodos JJ, Kappler R, et al <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
Department of Microbiology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, USA. Bplotk@Midwestern.edu <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Adjunctive osteopathic manipulative treatment in women with depression: a pilot study
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. 101(9):517-23, 2001 <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, controlled clinical trial <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
osteopathic structural examination only
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
17 pre-menopausal women with newly diagnosed depression receiving conventional therapy consisting of the antidepressant paroxentine (Paxil) hydrochloride plus weekly psychotherapy for 8 weeks<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
psychometric evaluation, levels of cytokine production, and levels of anti-HSV-1, anti-HSV-2, and anti-EBV antibodies<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
After 8 weeks, 100% of the OMT treatment group and 33% of the control group tested normal by psychometric evaluation. No significant differences were observed between groups in levels of cytokine production or in the levels of any of the antibodies. The researchers concluded that OMT may be a useful adjunctive treatment for alleviating depression in women. Larger studies with longer observation periods will be helpful in confirming this data.<br>
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</p>
<p><span class='scievModListSubhead'><a name='pry'></a>Prayer</span><br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
O’Laoire S<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
An experimental study of the effects of distant, intercessory prayer on self-esteem, anxiety, and depression<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 3(6):38-53, 1997<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
none<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
496 volunteers, those who prayed (90 agents) and those who were prayed for (406 subjects)<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
agents were divided into a directed or nondirected prayer group; prayer was performed 15 minutes daily for 12 weeks; three different agents prayed for each subject; photos and names of subjects were used as a focus by prayer agents; subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: those prayed for by nondirected agents, a control group, and those prayed for by directed agents<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
five pre-test and post-test objective measures and six post-test subjective measures
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Subjects improved significantly on all 11 measures. Agents improved significantly on 10 measures. A significant positive correlation was found on the amount of prayer the agents did and the five objective measures. Agents had significantly better scores on all the objective measures than the subjects. Subjects’ improvement of objective measures was significantly related to their belief in the power of prayer for others and to their conviction as to whether they had been assigned to a control or an experimental group. <br>
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</p>
<p><span class='scievModListSubhead'><a name='rik'></a>Reiki</span><br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Author(s):</span><br>
Shore AG<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Institution:</span><br>
<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Title:</span><br>
Long-term effects of energetic ehaling on symptoms of psychological depression and self-perceived stress<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Source:</span><br>
Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine. 10(30:42-8, 2004<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of study:</span><br>
randomized controlled clinical trial<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Control/comparison:</span><br>
placebo reiki<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Sample characteristics:</span><br>
46 participants <br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Type of intervention:</span><br>
hands-on Reiki and distance Reiki sessions 1 to 1.5 hour treatment for 6 weeks<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Primary outcome measure(s):</span><br>
Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness, and Perceived Stress scales<br>
<span class='scievCitation'>Outcome:</span><br>
Upon completion of treatment, there was a significant reduction in symptoms of psychological distress in treatment groups as compared with controls, and these differences continued to be present one year later.<br>
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<a class=scievBoldOrangeLink href='../glossary.asp'>Glossary</a>
</p>
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