The efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative medicine for depression: an umbrella review

Abstract

Objective: Depression is a major public health problem. Many complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions have been suggested as potential treatments. This umbrella review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of CAM interventions for treating depression. Methods: We comprehensively searched for relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. We assessed effectiveness (based on efficacy and changes in depression assessment scale scores) and safety (based on adverse events). Results: A total of 22 eligible articles were included. Yueju antidepressant and electro-acupuncture (EA) improved depression symptoms better than conventional antidepressants. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids (n-3PUFAs), exercise, manual acupuncture (MA), Hypericum mono-preparations, relaxation, and vitamin D showed superior efficacy to placebo and controls. Guipi decotion (GPD) as adjunctive therapy has higher efficacy than conventional antidepressants, and MA and Yueju have a better safety profile than conventional antidepressants. Conclusion: 10 CAMs can effectively improve the condition of patients with clinical depression.

Keywords

• Depression
• complementary and alternative medicine
• clinical trial
• systematic review
• umbrella review