Instructions:
Choose a Complimentary and Alternative Therapy that would be beneficial for the treatment of a psychiatric disorder.
Provide evidence to support why this therapy would be beneficial for this disorder.
Are there any ethical implications that should be considered when utilizing this type of therapy for this disorder?
Responses need to address all components of the question, demonstrate critical thinking and analysis and include peer-reviewed journal evidence to support the student's position.
Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.
Guide On Rating System
Vote
One Complimentary and Alternative Therapy that could be beneficial for the treatment of a psychiatric disorder is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for depression. MBCT is a form of therapy that combines cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness meditation practices. It has been shown to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms and preventing relapses in individuals with a history of depression.
One study by Ma and Teasdale (2004) found that individuals who received MBCT had lower relapse rates compared to those who received maintenance antidepressant medication alone. This suggests that MBCT can be an effective alternative or complement to medication for the treatment of depression.
Another study by Segal et al. (2010) compared MBCT to antidepressant medication in individuals with major depressive disorder and found that both treatments were equally effective in reducing depressive symptoms. However, MBCT was found to provide longer-term benefits, as individuals who received MBCT had a lower relapse rate than those who received medication alone. This indicates that MBCT may have a lasting impact on depressive symptoms, making it a valuable therapy for individuals with depression.
In terms of ethical implications, it is important to note that MBCT should not be used as a substitute for evidence-based treatments such as medication or psychotherapy. It is best used as an adjunctive treatment or after other treatments have been tried. Additionally, it is crucial that MBCT is delivered by trained professionals who have expertise in both cognitive therapy and mindfulness practices. Clients should be fully informed about the benefits and limitations of MBCT and should have the option to choose whether they want to receive this therapy or not.
Overall, MBCT is a beneficial therapy for the treatment of depression. It has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and prevent relapses, making it an effective alternative or complement to medication. However, ethical considerations should be taken into account to ensure the therapy is used appropriately and with informed consent.