Complementary medicine for psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To examine recent empirical studies of herbal and dietary treatments for psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.


RESULTS
Very few quality studies into the use of omega-3 fatty acids, St John's wort, dietary manipulations, kava, gingko and lemon balm in managing psychiatric disorders have been conducted in children and adolescents.


CONCLUSIONS
A number of herbal treatments show promise, but much more empirical research is required to establish their efficacy in the paediatric population.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health, New South Wales, Australia. nsoh@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Nerissa L
NL
Soh
Garry
G
Walter
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D020902:Hypericum; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D028321:Plant Preparations