The Use of Herbal Medications and Dietary Supplements by People with Mental Illness

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between herbal medication and dietary supplement (HMDS) use and mental health characteristics. Data are drawn from a national household survey of the United States’ civilian, non-institutionalized population (N = 9,585). Psychiatric medication and HMDS use, psychiatric diagnoses and treatment needs, utilization and satisfaction were assessed. Compared to non-users, HMDS users were more likely to perceive themselves as having mental health needs, to have received mental health and primary care treatment, and to be dissatisfied with their overall healthcare. Psychiatric medication use was not related to HMDS use, and in multivariate analyses, HMDS use was associated with perceived mental health needs. Differences in use of specific HMDS between those with and without a psychiatric disorder were also examined. The use of HMDS warrants particular attention in persons with perceived mental health problems as these individuals may be turning to HMDS use for treatment of their symptoms.

Fish oil supplementation reduces cortisol basal levels and perceived stress: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial in abstinent alcoholics

“…Ameliorating affective and emotional state is particularly relevant in abstinent alcoholics, since symptoms of irritability, anxiety, and emotional distress that are common during early and protracted abstinence , are thought to play an important role in maintenance of craving and in relapse for alcohol . These preliminary data could be of interest, also taking into account the good attitude of the general public, and people with mental illness over the use of complementary interventions .…”

Self Medication and Use of Dietary Supplements in Adult Patients with Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

“…In addition, women are more dissatisfi ed with their health than men [ 34 ] , which may be a further reason for a more frequent dietary supplement use. This is also the case in mentally ill patients [ 21 ] . Neither age, nor BMI nor social status was associated with the use of dietary supplements in the analysed population, although in other studies older persons [ 10 , 21 , 22 , 25 ] (but not older than 80 years [ 4 ] ) and those with a higher social status [ 21 , 22 , 25 , 35 , 36 ] were associated with a more frequent use of dietary supplements than younger people or persons with less education and income.…”

Chinese Herbal Medicine and Depression: The Research Evidence

“…Similar increases have been observed in Australia [9] while use in the UK continues to be substantial [5]. Users were found to be more likely to have received mental health and primary care treatment and to be dissatisfied with their overall healthcare than nonusers [10]. Chinese herbal medicines were not specifically mentioned, but several of the herbs listed are included in Chinese herbal formulae.…”