The purpose of this paper is to provide reflective insight on how Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) reflecting evidence base practice effects the treatment for anxiety. Anxiety is defined as a “general feeling of being worried” (Potter & Perry, 2013). Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at times. People experience anxiety for many different reasons however, a problem presents itself when the anxious state interferes with the daily ability to maintain a normal life. Signs and symptoms of anxiety are not limited to but, as follows: feeling of panic, fear, problems sleeping, heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath (Potter & Perry, 2013) Anxiety is typically treated with drug therapy, homeopathy,
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population in 1990 to 42 percent in 1997 (Saeed SA, 2007 Aug 15).” Kava has been the most popular CAM with the effectiveness being based on multiple RCTs. It has been safely used in clinical trials on a short term basis. “A Cochrane systematic review identified 12 RCTs of effects of kava on patients with GAD; the meta-analysis included seven trials that met quality criteria (n = 380); kava significantly reduced Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores, although the weighted mean difference between kava and placebo was only 3.9 scale points; the other five trials (n = 320) showed similar tendencies; a replication meta-analysis involving only those RCTs that used extract WS1490 replicated and extended these results (Saeed SA, 2007 Aug 15).”
However, do the concern that Kava extracts may not be safe after being linked to 100 reports of hepatotoxicity. Research shows that in as little as three to four weeks at a normal dose patients are still having liver complications. As a result, Kava has been banned from this market to protect consumers nationwide (Saeed SA, 2007 Aug 15). I do not support using Kava for “long term” due to the increasing possibility that liver damage yields secondary to its’ …show more content…
John’s Wort effectiveness on anxiety based on a single double-blind placebo controlled RCT. “Results showed a strong positive effect of St. John 's wort, compared with placebo, in reducing somatic anxiety, psychic anxiety, overall anxiety scores, and physician and patient ratings of anxiety disorder symptoms (Saeed SA, 2007 Aug 15).” It was noted that patients experience more agitation while using this form of therapy (Saeed SA, 2007 Aug 15). I do support using St. John’s Wort due to the supporting evidence to prove that this supplement aids in relief of symptoms for anxiety.
C) How effective are the complementary and alternative practices compare with allopathic (traditional) medicine? Complementary and alternative practices are as effective as allopathic medicine when taken properly and researched prior to starting any regimen. The patient should be informed to always contact their provider before starting any alternative therapy to ensure that it will not interfere with their current regimen. Natural medicines can and have yielded benefit to the patient but, ultimately the safety of the patient is the primary concern. St. John’s wort usage should be monitored for drug interactions (Davidson JR, 2001). Kava regimens need to be monitored with routine regular liver function tests.
population in 1990 to 42 percent in 1997 (Saeed SA, 2007 Aug 15).” Kava has been the most popular CAM with the effectiveness being based on multiple RCTs. It has been safely used in clinical trials on a short term basis. “A Cochrane systematic review identified 12 RCTs of effects of kava on patients with GAD; the meta-analysis included seven trials that met quality criteria (n = 380); kava significantly reduced Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores, although the weighted mean difference between kava and placebo was only 3.9 scale points; the other five trials (n = 320) showed similar tendencies; a replication meta-analysis involving only those RCTs that used extract WS1490 replicated and extended these results (Saeed SA, 2007 Aug 15).”
However, do the concern that Kava extracts may not be safe after being linked to 100 reports of hepatotoxicity. Research shows that in as little as three to four weeks at a normal dose patients are still having liver complications. As a result, Kava has been banned from this market to protect consumers nationwide (Saeed SA, 2007 Aug 15). I do not support using Kava for “long term” due to the increasing possibility that liver damage yields secondary to its’ …show more content…
John’s Wort effectiveness on anxiety based on a single double-blind placebo controlled RCT. “Results showed a strong positive effect of St. John 's wort, compared with placebo, in reducing somatic anxiety, psychic anxiety, overall anxiety scores, and physician and patient ratings of anxiety disorder symptoms (Saeed SA, 2007 Aug 15).” It was noted that patients experience more agitation while using this form of therapy (Saeed SA, 2007 Aug 15). I do support using St. John’s Wort due to the supporting evidence to prove that this supplement aids in relief of symptoms for anxiety.
C) How effective are the complementary and alternative practices compare with allopathic (traditional) medicine? Complementary and alternative practices are as effective as allopathic medicine when taken properly and researched prior to starting any regimen. The patient should be informed to always contact their provider before starting any alternative therapy to ensure that it will not interfere with their current regimen. Natural medicines can and have yielded benefit to the patient but, ultimately the safety of the patient is the primary concern. St. John’s wort usage should be monitored for drug interactions (Davidson JR, 2001). Kava regimens need to be monitored with routine regular liver function tests.