Complementary and Alternative Treatments (CATs)

In recent years, additional research has been conducted into alternative and complementary treatment options for mental health.

For this discussion, you will discuss an alternative treatment strategy of ketamine, psilocybin, or ECT and a complementary and alternative treatment (CATs) that is EITHER mind-body-based, manipulative and body-based, OR biologic based treatment option. For example, you may choose to compare psilobycin with the mind-body-based CAT of biofeedback for the discussion post.

The initial discussion post should include the following:

Part 1:

Choose ketamine, psilocybin, or ECT, and discuss:

History of development
Theoretical mechanism of action
Any current research/does current research support efficacy
Current guidelines/indications (i.e., who qualifies for use, any standards in treatment/standard course, etc.)
How and where is the treatment administered (at home, outpatient procedure, in an office or clinic setting)
Any contraindications or long-term effects to treatment (if known)

Part 2:

Choose one of the following categories:

Mind-body (guided imagery, meditation, yoga, and biofeedback)
Manipulative and body-based (acupressure and acupuncture, massage, and reflexology) OR
Biologic based CAT (herbal products, vitamins, supplements, and aromatherapy)

For your chosen category:

Compare and contrast with the treatment chosen from Part 1.
Are they alike? How are they different? Are they used for the same indications?
What does the research say when comparing the two treatments for efficacy? Is there any research available?
Are the two treatments covered by insurance?
Are the treatments available in your area?
How do you monitor treatment response?

Include if you have any prior experience with the treatments from Part 1 and Part 2 and if you would consider these treatment alternatives for your patients.