Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Danish residential homes for people with severe mental illness: Use and perceived benefits of CAM in relation to recovery

Abstract

Background and Aim:

Mental health services in Denmark offer various rehabilitative treatment interventions to people with severe mental illness. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) such as National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear acupuncture are used as rehabilitative interventions. We investigated the use of CAM in four psychiatric residential homes, and whether CAM supports residents’ rehabilitation and personal recovery.

Methods:

Residents in four selected residential homes participated in a questionnaire study, which elicited information on the use of CAM offered in a residential home setting. The study was conducted from February to November 2017. Recovery scores were assessed using the Mental Health Recovery Measure (MHRM).

Results:

Of 131 eligible respondents, 68 (52%) participated. CAM was used by 84% of the residents. NADA ear acupuncture (38%) and music therapy (37%) were the most commonly used types of CAM.

Conclusions:

CAM is a commonly used rehabilitative intervention and more than 50% receiving treatment with CAM believed that it has supported their recovery process.