Complementary therapy for treating depressive symptoms: A systematic review

Abstract

Depression is a mental state characterized by feelings of sadness, loneliness, despair, low self-esteem, and self-reproach; accompanying signs include psychomotor retardation. Complementary therapies span a broad range of treatments for depression. The aim of this review was to determine whether the use of complementary & alternative therapy (CAT) for treatment of depression is supported by evidence of effectiveness from rigorous clinical trials. Database literature searches were performed in a pre-defined manner. Thirteen RCTs were located that investigated Complementary & alternative therapy and depression: Reflexology (1), Cognitively Behavioural Therapy (3), Yoga (1), Mindfulness therapy (1), Reiki intervention (1), Aromatherapy massage (1), Essential oils (1), Creative arts therapy (1), Herbal medicine (1), Music therapy (1) and Massage (1). The evidence is not compelling for any of these therapies, with many trials suffering from significant methodological flaws. There is evidence to suggest some benefit of mindfulness therapy, yoga, creative art, massage and music therapy on reduction of depressive symptoms. Cognitive Behaviour therapy and aromatherapy massage have a short-term beneficial effect on depression. There is no difference in using herbal, reflexology, essential oil and Reiki therapy in depression but Reiki therapy within the bounds of the conventional care setting may be more effective. In all the CATs examined further investigations are needed in the form of rigorous large-scale trials.