title: The role of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review.
abstract: This systematic review critically appraises the role of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of those with an eating disorder. Sixteen studies were included in the review. The results of this review show that the role of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of those with an eating disorder is unclear and further studies should be conducted. A potential role was found for massage and bright light therapy for depression in those with Bulimia Nervosa and a potential role for acupuncture and relaxation therapy, in the treatment of State Anxiety, for those with an eating disorder. The role of these complementary therapies in treating eating disorders should only be provided as an adjunctive treatment only.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: s.fogarty@westernsydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fogarty
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: caroline.smith@westernsydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Caroline A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: P.Hay@westernsydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Phillipa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hay
mesh_terms: D026881:Acupuncture; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008405:Massage; D010789:Phototherapy; D012064:Relaxation Therapy
keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine; Eating disorders; Systematic review