Complementary and Integrative Treatments in Psychiatric Practice

Strengths: This book exposes the reader to a wide array of diverse treatment options that are not ordinarily taught during medical training but that are nonetheless often utilized in the general population. The editors and authors have an evidence-based focus, while often providing information on specific indications, contraindications, and mechanisms of action, as well as dosing tips. The index is particularly useful in helping readers sort through the book, and patient anecdotes help the reader envision practical applications for the information. Deficiencies: In an attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of complementary and integrative treatments in psychiatry, the book at times crosses the line between providing depth of information and being too dense making it difficult for readers to easily access and use the information. Rather than being read cover to cover, this book may be more suitable for use with the index to search for specific topics of interest as they pertain to patient care. Recommended Readership: This book would be a useful resource for psychiatrists or primary care providers, including residents and fellows.

I have sought quality resources on CAIM treatments in psychiatry (and specifically child and adolescent psychiatry) for 15 years and would recommend this book from Gerbarg, Muskin and Brown as a great introduction to the Western medicine-trained physician seeking guidance on evidence-based support for CAIM treatments. However, because of the paucity of evidence on many treatments included in CAIM, the authors fail to prioritize some foundational aspects of treatment and tend to emphasize lesser known and more infrequently used modalities.

This is a well-referenced, reliable resource that reviews many of the available CAIM interventions. While a good percentage of our patients are already using CAIM, many of our patients do not respond to or tolerate traditional treatments. It therefore behooves us to be familiar with these interventions so we can responsibly guide and make recommendations to our patients.

Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D., is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York.

Philip R. Muskin, M.D., M.A., is Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, New York.

Richard P. Brown, M.D., is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, New York.