Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies are forms of treatments that are used in addition to the usual medical treatments prescribed for people with severe mental illness.
This is because at present treatment of severe mental illness usually involves treatment with medication and other therapies are usually in a complementary role, not as an alternative to conventional medicine.
Complementary therapies are often used in addition to medication to obtain better control of symptoms and in relief from side effects which many medications might trigger. The use of complimentary therapies is also in line with a more holistic approach to treating people. A holistic approach means to look at the individual as a whole (so with physical, psychological spiritual needs etc) rather than simply at the illness or at the symptoms alone in the focus of treatment.
Physical treatments
a form of structured or therapeutic touch which can be used to relax, to relieve muscle pain and tension and to bring comfort through contact with another human being. Massage can lessen feelings of hopelessness and despair. Relatives or friends can be taught to massage the person who is ill, which will reduce anxiety and bring comfort to both people. Research has shown that massage can reduce levels of anxiety stress and depression in some people.
the use of aromatic, highly concentrated essential oils during massage. Inhalation and scented baths are other ways to get benefit from these oils. They are produced by distilling and concentrating substances found in tiny glands in the petals, leaves, stems, bark and wood of many plants and trees. Different oils have different effects: for example, an aroma therapist may use cedar wood for a pleasant effect and relaxing effect, or rosemary for an invigorating and refreshing effect. Like massage, aromatherapy can reduce stress, tension and anxiety and help in alleviating mental distress.
a specialised form of foot massage that is related to the Chinese practice of acupressure. The theory underlying this therapy is that different areas on the sole of the foot represent and are connected to the body's internal organs. By systematically putting pressure on these points, symptoms such as pain, constipation and sickness can be relieved. Research has shown that reflexology can aid relaxation, relieve stress and restore energy. It can help to reduce the side-effects of psychotropic medication and can moderate highs and lows of mood swings.
a traditional form of Chinese medicine based on the theory that placing sterile acupuncture needles at different energy points below the skin can have effects on the circulatory and nervous system in the body. Studies show that during acupuncture the body releases endorphins, natural chemicals which can relieve pain, relax muscles and increase feelings of well being. Acupuncture may sometimes be used to treat side-effects of psychotropic drugs. Research shows that acupuncture can have a positive effect for some people diagnosed with schizophrenia.
a Japanese form of massage. Like acupuncture it is based on the theory that good health depends on the balanced flow of energy through specific channels in the body called meridians. Pressure is placed on the appropriate meridians to help the person's energy regain its balance. Many people find shiatsu relaxing and re-energising, as well as able to relieve other symptoms.
Exercise, yoga and tai chi, are all forms of physical therapy that may ease symptoms of some mental illness and side-effects of psychotropic medication. Research has shown that all have some effect on reducing stress, tension and anxiety and in alleviating mental distress.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is central to good physical and mental health. It has been found that for some illnesses, for example cancer, that some foods contribute to the cause of illness, while the absence of certain minerals and vitamins and the use of additives can both cause mental illness and hinder recovery.
Orthomolecular medicine is a relatively new area of medicine which describes the practice of preventing and treating disease by providing the body with optimal amounts of substances which are natural to the body. Practitioners of orthomolecular medicine believe that diseases such as schizophrenia and depression are associated with specific biochemical abnormalities which either cause or aggravate the illness. It is believed possible to prevent or treat such illnesses by providing vitamins, amino acids, trace elements or fatty acids in amounts to correct abnormalities.
Two cases of orthomolecular medicine benefiting people with mental illness are the use of fish oils or evening primrose oil in treating psychosis and the use of selenium to prevent tardive dyskinesia.
Not everybody has been helped by these treatments but they are an option to consider, and it is important to find out about the correct dosage. You can do this by calling the Maudsley Hospital Medication helpline on 0207 9192999.
See also our factsheet on Physical Health & Nutrition:
Physical Health and Nutrition Factsheet
Unconventional medicines
The medicines discussed here are described as unconventional because they are not used as part of the conventional treatment of mental illness. Homeopaths do not claim that homeopathy will cure mental illness but use it to try to improve symptoms and side-effects of medication. Two types of medicines are described here, homeopathy and herbal medicine.
is based on the theory that a substance, which can cause similar symptoms to those of the illness being treated, can be used in tiny amounts to treat those symptoms. Homeopathic remedies, which come in tablet form, liquid or creams, contain much diluted forms of these active ingredients. If you are interested in this type of treatment you should discuss it with your doctor. Research shows that homeopathy may help people with severe mental health problems to recover, if used alongside conventional antipsychotic medication. However, there is no evidence that this effect if anything more than placebo.
are based on active ingredients. Perhaps the most well known herbal medicine for treating the symptoms of mental illness is St. John's Wort (hypericum). This has been linked to the relief of mild to moderately severe depression. St John's Wort appears to act like a MAOI (monoamine-oxidase inhibitor) and it is possible that it interacts with the amino acid tyramine. People taking St John's Wort should avoid:
Extracts of meat and yeast (Oxo, Marmite), broad bean pods, smoked or pickled fish, hung poultry or game, cheeses, (particularly cheddar, camembert, brie, stilton, gorgonzola and some processed cheeses)Chianti, red wines, and some beers.
If you are interested in trying any of them, first check that the therapist is properly qualified then talk to your psychiatrist. Doctors are cautious because they are unsure of their effects and possible interaction with other medication you may be receiving - for example, St John’s Wort is associated with reduced effectiveness of the oral contraceptive pill.
Other complementary therapies
There are now a number of complimentary therapies that have been recorded as useful to those with a mental illness, a couple of examples of these include:
this type of therapy will often involve both listening to, and improvising and creating music. Music therapy is believed to help both interpersonal and communication skills, which may both have been compromised through mental illness.
this is where therapy involves people interacting with calming animals such as dogs, cats and horses (equine assisted therapy). Interaction with animals is believed to help people with mental illness with their interpersonal skills, communication, and helps to reinforce independent and daily living activities such as self care. Animals can also provide companionship to people who through their illness are having difficulties interacting and socialising with other people.
particularly useful for those with anxiety and stress, meditation is a relaxation in which you detach from your everyday surroundings. The practice involves sitting quietly and focusing your mind on either your breathing or something like a mantra (a phrase where you can time your breathing) or an object. The effect of this focus will be to reduce your breathing rate, blood pressure and muscle tension (commonly associated with anxiety and stress) and so can improve symptoms like headaches, muscle tensions aches etc.
Choosing a complementary therapist
The NHS rarely provides complementary therapies for people with mental health problems and you will usually have to see a private therapist. If you are considering using complementary therapies, the following suggestions may help you:
- Always use a qualified therapist who belongs to a professional body.
- Check the cost of treatment beforehand to make sure you are being fairly charged. You may have to shop around a bit.
- Talk it over with your doctor or nurse and ask for their advice, especially if you are going to have a therapy which involves taking pills or medicines.
- Ask your doctor if there are complementary therapies available at your treatment hospital, or through your GP's practice, or if they can recommend any therapies or practitioners.
- Choose the complementary therapy that suits your individual needs. Other people may be able to give you an idea of what worked for them.
- Don't be misled by promises of cures. No reputable therapist would claim to be able to cure severe mental illness.
National Advice Service Factsheets
