Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among People with Multiple Sclerosis in the Nordic Countries

L Skovgaard,M Verhoef,P H Nicolajsen,E Pedersen,D W Meyrowitsch,S Fredrikson,M Kant

doi:10.1155/2012/841085

Abstract

Aims. The aim of the study was to describe and compare (1) the types and prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments used among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Nordic countries; (2) the types of conventional treatments besides disease-modifying medicine for MS that were used in combination with CAM treatments; (3) the types of symptoms/health issues addressed by use of CAM treatments. Methods. An internet-based questionnaire was used to collect data from 6455 members of the five Nordic MS societies. The response rates varied from 50.9% in Norway to 61.5% in Iceland. Results. A large range of CAM treatments were reported to be in use in all five Nordic countries. Supplements of vitamins and minerals, supplements of oils, special diet, acupuncture, and herbal medicine were among the CAM treatment modalities most commonly used. The prevalence of the overall use of CAM treatments within the last twelve months varied from 46.0% in Sweden to 58.9% in Iceland. CAM treatments were most often used in combination with conventional treatments. The conventional treatments that were most often combined with CAM treatment were prescription medication, physical therapy, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The proportion of CAM users who reported exclusive use of CAM (defined as use of no conventional treatments besides disease-modifying medicine for MS) varied from 9.5% in Finland to 18.4% in Norway. In all five Nordic countries, CAM treatments were most commonly used for nonspecific/preventative purposes such as strengthening the body in general, improving the body's muscle strength, and improving well-being. CAM treatments were less often used for the purpose of improving specific symptoms such as body pain, problems with balance, and fatigue/lack of energy. Conclusions. A large range of CAM treatments were used by individuals with MS in all Nordic countries. The most commonly reported rationale for CAM treatment use focused on improving the general state of health. The overall pattern of CAM treatment use was similar across the five countries.

Highlights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe neurological disease, characterized by chronic course of exacerbation and remission of symptoms, leading to severe disability
The results of the present study indicate that the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment among individuals with MS was widespread in all five Nordic countries
The five countries had quite similar patterns in relation to prevalence of CAM use, the types of CAM modalities used, the types of conventional treatments that CAM treatment was used in combination with, and the types of symptoms/health issues that were most often addressed by use of CAM treatment

Summary

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe neurological disease, characterized by chronic course of exacerbation and remission of symptoms, leading to severe disability. The absolute number of individuals with MS is increasing in the western countries and represents a substantial challenge to treatment, prevention, health promotion, and rehabilitation. The causes of MS are still unknown [1, 2]. Individuals with MS face many challenges in their everyday life, like many other groups of people with chronic illness. There is no cure for MS, the medical treatment options are limited for some types of MS, and treatments often have many side effects. MS is often characterized by a wide range of accompanying symptoms [1, 3]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion