H.J. Rogier Hoenders, MD,
Martin T. Appelo, PhD,
Erik H. van den Brink, MD,
Bregje M.A. Hartogs, MSc, and
Joop T.V.M de Jong, PhD, MPH
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Volume 17, Number 12, 2011, pp. 1–5
DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0762
Abstract
Background
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is subject to heated debates and prejudices. Studies show that CAM is widely used by psychiatric patients, usually without the guidance of a therapist and without the use of a solid working method, leading to potential health risks.
Aim
The purpose of this study is to facilitate the judicious use of CAM alongside conventional psychiatry in an outpatient psychiatric clinic.
Methods
A search was made through scientific and legal articles and discussion in focus groups.
Results
In the Centre for Integrative Psychiatry (CIP) of Lentis in the Netherlands, some carefully selected CAM are offered under strict conditions, alongside conventional treatments. Because of the controversy and the potential health risks, Lentis designed a protocol that is presented.
Conclusions
The CIP hopes, by using this protocol, to better serve and respect the individual needs and preferences of the diversity of psychiatric patients in our Dutch multicultural society, and better protect them from harm.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is subject to heated debates and prejudices. Studies show that CAM is widely used by psychiatric patients, usually without the guidance of a therapist and without the use of a solid working method, leading to potential health risks.
Aim
The purpose of this study is to facilitate the judicious use of CAM alongside conventional psychiatry in an outpatient psychiatric clinic.
Methods
A search was made through scientific and legal articles and discussion in focus groups.
Results
In the Centre for Integrative Psychiatry (CIP) of Lentis in the Netherlands, some carefully selected CAM are offered under strict conditions, alongside conventional treatments. Because of the controversy and the potential health risks, Lentis designed a protocol that is presented.
Conclusions
The CIP hopes, by using this protocol, to better serve and respect the individual needs and preferences of the diversity of psychiatric patients in our Dutch multicultural society, and better protect them from harm.
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