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Storr Krogh C, Skovgard L, Lynning M, Steenberg JL. Reasons for Engaging in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Highly Educated Women With Multiple Sclerosis. Int J MS Care 2023; 25:104-110. [PMID: 37250196 PMCID: PMC10211353 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2021-133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has shown that users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among persons with multiple sclerosis are more likely to be women and to have a higher level of education compared with nonusers. This qualitative study was performed to explore the motivations linked to CAM use among highly educated women with multiple sclerosis. METHODS The study was based on a phenomenological approach, and 8 semistructured, in-depth qualitative interviews were performed. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed through meaning condensation and identification of recurring themes. RESULTS Regarding the informants' motivations for CAM use, 3 main themes emerged: (1) Self-reliance is essential in disease management, (2) conventional health care lacks a holistic approach, and (3) personal experience is the primary guide. CONCLUSIONS The interviewees wanted approaches to health care that supported their desire to actively participate in the management of their disease. They were critical of the conventional health care system, and they emphasized the importance of letting their own personal experiences, as well as those of others, guide their decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lasse Skovgard
- From the Danish MS Society, Valby, Denmark (CSK, LS, ML, JLS)
| | - Marie Lynning
- From the Danish MS Society, Valby, Denmark (CSK, LS, ML, JLS)
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Ketogenic and Modified Mediterranean Diet as a Tool to Counteract Neuroinflammation in Multiple Sclerosis: Nutritional Suggestions. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14122384. [PMID: 35745113 PMCID: PMC9229939 DOI: 10.3390/nu14122384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ketogenic Diet is a nutritional pattern often used as dietotherapy in inflammatory diseases, including neurological disorders. Applied on epileptic children since 1920, in recent years it has been taken into account again as a tool to both reduce inflammatory burdens and ameliorate the nutritional status of patients affected by different pathologies. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered an immune-mediated neuro-inflammatory disease and diet is a possible factor in its pathogenesis. The aim of this work is to investigate the main potential targets of MS-related impairments, in particular the cognitive deficits, focusing on the alteration of biomarkers such as the Brain Derived-Neurotrophic Factor and the Tryptophan/Kynurenine ratio that could play a role on neuroprotection and thus on MS progression. Furthermore, we here propose nutritional suggestions which are useful in the development of a ketogenic diet protocol that takes advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of low-carbohydrate foods from the Mediterranean diet to be applied to subjects with MS. In conclusion, this approach will allow one to develop the ketogenic diet combined with a modified Mediterranean diet as a possible tool to improve neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis.
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Arji G, Rezaeizadeh H, Moghadasi AN, Sahraian MA, Karimi M, Alizadeh M. Complementary and alternative therapies in multiple sclerosis: a systematic literature classification and analysis. Acta Neurol Belg 2022; 122:281-303. [PMID: 35060096 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-021-01847-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease determined by inflammatory demyelination and neurodegeneration in the Central Nervous System (CNS). Despite the extensive utilization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in MS, there is a need to have comprehensive evidence regarding their application in the management of MS symptoms. This manuscript is a Systematic Literature Review and classification (SLR) of CAM therapies for the management of MS symptoms based on the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) model. METHOD Studies published between 1990 and 2020 IN PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Pro-Quest, and Google Scholar using CAM therapies for the management of MS symptoms were analyzed. RESULTS Thirty-one papers on the subject were analyzed and classified. The findings of this review clearly show that mindfulness, yoga, and reflexology were frequently used for managing MS symptoms. Moreover, most of the papers used mindfulness and yoga as a CAM therapy for the management of MS symptoms, which mostly devoted to mental functions such as fatigue, depression, cognition, neuromuscular functions such as gait, muscle strength, and spasticity, and sensory function such as balance, in addition to, reflexology is vastly used to management of mental functions of MS patients. CONCLUSION Evidence suggested that CAM therapies in patients with MS have the potential to target and enhancement numerous elements outlined in the ICF model. Although the use of CAM therapies in MS symptom management is promising, there is a need for strict clinical trials. Future research direction should concentrate on methodologically powerful studies to find out the potential efficacy of CAM intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goli Arji
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Information Technology Department, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Hossein Rezaeizadeh
- Department of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolrreza Naser Moghadasi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sahraian
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Karimi
- Department of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Alizadeh
- Department of Computer Engineering, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.
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Case LK, Jackson P, Kinkel R, Mills PJ. Guided Imagery Improves Mood, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Efficacy Trial of Healing Light Guided Imagery. J Evid Based Integr Med 2019; 23:2515690X17748744. [PMID: 29405761 PMCID: PMC5871039 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x17748744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a disabling and progressive neurological disease that has significant negative effects on health-related quality of life. This exploratory efficacy study examined the effects of Healing Light Guided Imagery (HLGI), a novel variant of guided imagery, compared with a wait-list control in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Changes in the Beck Depression Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life instrument (physical and mental components) were compared between groups. Patients who completed HLGI (N = 9) showed significant reductions in depressed mood (P < .05) and fatigue (P < .01) and showed significant gains in physical (P = .01) and mental (P < .01) quality of life compared with journaling (N = 8). Our results suggest that HLGI can improve self-reported physical and mental well-being in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Further research is needed to study the effectiveness of this therapy, as well as its mind-body mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Case
- 1 University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Current affiliation: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paula Jackson
- 1 University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Revere Kinkel
- 1 University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Paul J Mills
- 1 University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Barghi A, Allendorfer JB, Taub E, Womble B, Hicks JM, Uswatte G, Szaflarski JP, Mark VW. Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis. Part 2: Effect on White Matter Integrity. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2019; 32:233-241. [PMID: 29668401 DOI: 10.1177/1545968317753073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a method of physical rehabilitation that has demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with chronic stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE This pilot randomized controlled trial tested whether CIMT can also induce increases in white matter integrity in patients with MS. METHODS Twenty adults with chronic hemiparetic MS were randomized to receive either CIMT or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment (reported in the first article of this pair). Structural white matter change was assessed by tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS); measures included fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD). RESULTS CIMT and CAM groups did not differ in pretreatment disability or expectancy to benefit. As noted in the companion paper, the motor activity log (MAL) improved more after CIMT than CAM ( P < .001); the within-group effect size for CIMT was 3.7 (large d' = 0.57), while for CAM it was just 0.7. Improvements in white matter integrity followed CIMT and were observed in the contralateral corpus callosum (FA, P < .05), ipsilateral superior occipital gyrus (AD, P < .05), ipsilateral superior temporal gyrus (FA, P < .05), and contralateral corticospinal tract (MD and RD, P < .05). CONCLUSION CIMT produced a very large improvement in real-world limb use and induced white matter changes in patients with hemiparetic MS when compared with CAM. The findings suggest in preliminary fashion that the adverse changes in white matter integrity induced by MS might be reversed by CIMT. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01081275).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edward Taub
- 2 University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Brent Womble
- 2 University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jarrod M Hicks
- 2 University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | | | - Victor W Mark
- 2 University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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From embodied risk to embodying hope: Therapeutic experimentation and experiential information sharing in a contested intervention for Multiple Sclerosis. BIOSOCIETIES 2017. [DOI: 10.1057/s41292-017-0066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Siegert E, Paul F, Rothe M, Weylandt KH. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on central nervous system remyelination in fat-1 mice. BMC Neurosci 2017; 18:19. [PMID: 28114887 PMCID: PMC5259863 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-016-0312-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
There is a large body of experimental evidence suggesting that omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are capable of modulating immune function. Some studies have shown that these PUFAs might have a beneficial effect in patients suffering form multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). This could be due to increased n-3 PUFA-derived anti-inflammatory lipid mediators. In the present study we tested the effect of an endogenously increased n-3 PUFA status on cuprizone-induced CNS demyelination and remyelination in fat-1 mice versus their wild-type (wt) littermates. Fat-1 mice express an n-3 desaturase, which allows them to convert n-6 PUFAs into n-3 PUFAs. Results CNS lipid profiles in fat-1 mice showed a significant increase of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels but similar docosahexaenoic acid levels compared to wt littermates. This was also reflected in significantly higher levels of monohydroxy EPA metabolites such as 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) in fat-1 brain tissue. Feeding fat-1 mice and wt littermates 0.2% cuprizone for 5 weeks caused a similar degree of CNS demyelination in both groups; remyelination was increased in the fat-1 group after a recovery period of 2 weeks. However, at p = 0.07 this difference missed statistical significance. Conclusions These results indicate that n-3 PUFAs might have a role in promotion of remyelination after toxic injury to CNS oligodendrocytes. This might occur either via modulation of the immune system or via a direct effect on oligodendrocytes or neurons through EPA-derived lipid metabolites such as 18-HEPE. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12868-016-0312-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Siegert
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Hospital, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125, Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Clinical and Experimental Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Rothe
- Lipdomix GmbH, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karsten H Weylandt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Hospital, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany. .,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
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Pharmacological Alternatives for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Wasp and Bee Venoms and Their Components as New Neuroactive Tools. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:3179-209. [PMID: 26295258 PMCID: PMC4549745 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7083179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are relentlessly progressive, severely impacting affected patients, families and society as a whole. Increased life expectancy has made these diseases more common worldwide. Unfortunately, available drugs have insufficient therapeutic effects on many subtypes of these intractable diseases, and adverse effects hamper continued treatment. Wasp and bee venoms and their components are potential means of managing or reducing these effects and provide new alternatives for the control of neurodegenerative diseases. These venoms and their components are well-known and irrefutable sources of neuroprotectors or neuromodulators. In this respect, the present study reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms of action and future prospects regarding the use of new drugs derived from wasp and bee venom in the treatment of major neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
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Skovgaard L, Pedersen IK, Verhoef M. Exclusive use of alternative medicine as a positive choice: a qualitative study of treatment assumptions among people with multiple sclerosis in denmark. Int J MS Care 2014; 16:124-31. [PMID: 25337054 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2013-010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A survey of members of the Danish MS Society revealed that a minority of MS patients choose to forgo all types of conventional treatment and use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) exclusively. A qualitative follow-up study was performed to elucidate the choice of exclusive CAM use by exploring treatment assumptions among a group of exclusive CAM users. METHODS The study was based on a phenomenological approach. Semistructured in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 participants, using program theory as an analytical tool, and emerging themes were extracted from the data through meaning condensation. RESULTS Four themes characterized the participants' treatment assumptions: 1) conventional medicine contains chemical substances that affect the body in negative ways; 2) CAM treatments can strengthen the organism and make it more capable of resisting the impact of MS; 3) the patient's active participation is an important component of the healing process; 4) bodily sensations can be used to guide treatment selection. CONCLUSIONS Exclusive use of CAM by MS patients may reflect embracing CAM rather than a rejection of conventional medicine. Health-care practitioners, patient organizations, and health authorities within the MS field should be aware of possible changes in patients' attitudes toward both CAM and conventional treatment interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Skovgaard
- Danish MS Society, Valby, Denmark, and the Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (LS); the Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (IKP); and NAFKAM, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway (MV)
| | - Inge Kryger Pedersen
- Danish MS Society, Valby, Denmark, and the Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (LS); the Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (IKP); and NAFKAM, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway (MV)
| | - Marja Verhoef
- Danish MS Society, Valby, Denmark, and the Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (LS); the Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (IKP); and NAFKAM, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway (MV)
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Murray CL, Ploughman M, Harris C, Hogan S, Murdoch M, Stefanelli M. The Liberation Procedure Decision-Making Experience for People With Multiple Sclerosis. Glob Qual Nurs Res 2014; 1:2333393614551413. [PMID: 28462292 PMCID: PMC5287319 DOI: 10.1177/2333393614551413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the absence of scientific evidence demonstrating the efficacy of the "liberation procedure" in treating multiple sclerosis (MS), thousands of MS patients worldwide have undergone the procedure. The study objective was to explore the experience of liberation procedure decision making for individuals with MS. Fifteen adults in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, each participated in an in-depth interview. The data analysis revealed three groups of people: "waiters," "early embracers," and "late embracers." Using van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological approach, we identified three themes each in the stories of the early and late embracers and four themes in the waiters' stories. A characteristic of the late embracers and waiters was skepticism, whereas desperation set the embracers apart from the waiters. With a deeper understanding of the experience, nurses can be more attuned to the perspectives of MS patients while helping them make informed decisions about undergoing the liberation procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L Murray
- Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | | | - Chelsea Harris
- Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Stephen Hogan
- Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Michelle Murdoch
- Coalition of Persons With Disabilities, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Mark Stefanelli
- Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Baker D, Amor S. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is a good model of multiple sclerosis if used wisely. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2014; 3:555-64. [PMID: 26265267 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although multiple sclerosis is a uniquely human disease, many pathological features can be induced in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models following induction of central nervous system-directed autoimmunity. Whilst it is an imperfect set of models, EAE can be used to identify pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutics. However, the failure to translate many treatments from EAE into human benefit has led some to question the validity of the EAE model. Whilst differences in biology between humans and other species may account for this, it is suggested here that the failure to translate may be considerably influenced by human activity. Basic science contributes to failings in aspects of experimental design and over-interpretation of results and lack of transparency and reproducibility of the studies. Importantly issues in trial design by neurologists and other actions of the pharmaceutical industry destine therapeutics to failure and terminate basic science projects. However animal, particularly mechanism-orientated, studies have increasingly identified useful treatments and provided mechanistic ideas on which most hypothesis-led clinical research is based. Without EAE and other animal studies, clinical investigations will continue to be "look-see" exercises, which will most likely provide more misses than hits and will fail the people with MS that they aim to serve.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Baker
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom.
| | - Sandra Amor
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; Pathology Department, VU Medical Centre, Free University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Skovgaard L, Pedersen IK, Verhoef M. Use of bodily sensations as a risk assessment tool: exploring people with Multiple Sclerosis' views on risks of negative interactions between herbal medicine and conventional drug therapies. Altern Ther Health Med 2014; 14:59. [PMID: 24533750 PMCID: PMC3942187 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Most users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) combine it with conventional medicine. Recent risk assessment studies have shown risks of negative interactions between CAM and conventional medicine, particularly when combining herbal medicine and conventional drug therapies (CDT). Little is known about the way users consider such risks. The present paper aims to gain knowledge about this issue by exploring views on risks of negative interactions when combining herbal medicine and CDT among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods This paper draws on a qualitative follow-up study on a survey among members of the Danish MS Society. Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with a strategic selection from the survey respondents. The study was inspired by a phenomenological approach and emerging themes were extracted from the data through meaning condensation. Results Four themes characterized the informants’ views on risks of negative interactions when combining herbal medicine and CDT: 1) ‘naturalness’ in herbal medicine; 2) ‘bodily sensations’ as guidelines; 3) trust in the CAM practitioner; 4) lack of dialogue with medical doctor. Conclusions Generally, the combination of herbal medicine and CDT was considered by the informants to be safe. In particular, they emphasized the ‘non-chemical’ nature of herbal medicine and of their own bodily sensations as warrants of safety. A trustful relation to the CAM practitioner furthermore made some of them feel safe in their use of herbal medicine and CDT in combination. The informants’ use of bodily sensations as a non-discursive risk assessment may be a relevant element in understanding these issues.
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Skovgaard L, Nicolajsen P, Pedersen E, Kant M, Fredrikson S, Verhoef M, Meyrowitsch D. People with multiple sclerosis in Denmark who use complementary and alternative medicine—Do subgroups of patients differ? Eur J Integr Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2013.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Samuel C, Faithfull S. Complementary therapy support in cancer survivorship: a survey of complementary and alternative medicine practitioners' provision and perception of skills. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2013; 23:180-8. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C.A. Samuel
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Surrey; Guildford UK
| | - S. Faithfull
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Surrey; Guildford UK
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Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among People with Multiple Sclerosis in the Nordic Countries. Autoimmune Dis 2012; 2012:841085. [PMID: 23304461 PMCID: PMC3529905 DOI: 10.1155/2012/841085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 09/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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.
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