The role of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the role of complementary and alternative medicine, including bright light therapy, in treating depression in individuals with Bulimia Nervosa.
Results Summary
The study found a potential role for bright light therapy in alleviating depression in Bulimia Nervosa patients, though the overall role of complementary therapies in eating disorders remains unclear and warrants further research.
Population
Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa and eating disorders.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
massage | decrease | depression | those with Bulimia Nervosa | - | a potential role was found for | #1 |
bright light therapy | decrease | depression | those with Bulimia Nervosa | - | a potential role was found for | #2 |
acupuncture | decrease | State Anxiety | those with an eating disorder | - | a potential role was found for | #3 |
relaxation therapy | decrease | State Anxiety | those with an eating disorder | - | a potential role was found for | #4 |
This systematic review critically appraises the role of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of those with an eating disorder. Sixteen studies were included in the review. The results of this review show that the role of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of those with an eating disorder is unclear and further studies should be conducted. A potential role was found for massage and bright light therapy for depression in those with Bulimia Nervosa and a potential role for acupuncture and relaxation therapy, in the treatment of State Anxiety, for those with an eating disorder. The role of these complementary therapies in treating eating disorders should only be provided as an adjunctive treatment only.