Abstract

SARMIENTO SUAREZ, María José et al. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Patients with Bipolar Disorder. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2010, vol.39, n.4, pp.665-682. ISSN 0034-7450.

Introduction: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has acquired an important role in the context of mental health care. Objective: To describe the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in patients with bipolar affective disorder (BD), examining the impact this kind of medicine can have on the early diagnosis of the illness and on the adherence to treatment. Method: A structured, anonymous, and self-administered survey was conducted among 100 adult patients affected by Bipolar Disorder in Colombia, between May 2008 and May 2009. Results: We obtained data on 100 subjects, 66 women and 34 men, with a mean age of 45.5 years (SD 14.9 years). 29.3% reported that from the onset of symptoms until the diagnosis of BD by a psychiatrist more than 5 years had passed; 31.6% confirmed the use of CAM as primary health care. Consultations with priests and attending healing masses were the most commonly used practices, along with homeopathic medicine, bioenergetic medicine, flower essences, acupuncture, and yoga. Discussion and conclusions: Although there can be delays in receiving proper diagnosis and timely treatment, as well as dissatisfaction with CM services, this study gives us an initial approach to the impact of CAM in this regard. More research is needed, however, in this field in order to discover patients' expectations and needs, as well as an adequate mental health care which integrates, as much as it is possible, all the therapeutic resources available for the treatment of BD.

Keywords : Bipolar affective disorder; complementary and alternative medicine..

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