Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 66, Issue 6 , Pages 511-519, June 2009

Alternative mind–body therapies used by adults with medical conditions☆☆☆

  • Suzanne M. Bertisch

      Affiliations

    • Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Harvard Medical School Osher Research Center, Boston, MA, USA
    • Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, PBS-2, Boston, MA 02215, USA. Tel.: +1 617 754 4677; fax: +1 617 632 0215.
    • ,
  • Christina C. Wee

      Affiliations

    • Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
    • ,
  • Russell S. Phillips

      Affiliations

    • Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Harvard Medical School Osher Research Center, Boston, MA, USA
    • Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
    • ,
  • Ellen P. McCarthy

      Affiliations

    • Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

Received 22 February 2008; received in revised form 22 October 2008; accepted 11 December 2008. published online 04 March 2009.

Abstract 

Objective

Mind–body therapies (MBT) are used by 16.6% of adults in the United States. Little is known about the patterns of and reasons for use of MBT by adults with common medical conditions.

Methods

We analyzed data on MBT use from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey Alternative Medicine Supplement (n=31,044). MBT included relaxation techniques (deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation), yoga, tai chi, and qigong. To identify medical conditions associated with use of MBT overall and of individual MBT, we used multivariable models adjusted for sociodemographic factors, insurance status, and health habits. Among users of MBT (n=5170), we assessed which medical conditions were most frequently treated with MBT, additional rationale for using MBT, and perceived helpfulness.

Results

We found a positive association between MBT use and several medical conditions including various pain syndromes and anxiety/depression. Among adults using MBT to treat specific medical conditions, MBT was most commonly used for anxiety/depression and musculoskeletal pain syndromes. More than 50% of respondents used MBT in conjunction with conventional medical care, and 20% used MBT for conditions they thought conventional medicine would not help. Overall, we found high rates (68–90%) of perceived helpfulness of MBT for specific medical conditions.

Discussion

MBT is commonly used by patients with prevalent medical conditions. Further research is needed to determine the reasons for widespread use of MBT for treatment of specific medical conditions and to evaluate the efficacy of MBT.

Keywords: Anxiety, Behavioral medicine, Complementary and alternative medicine, Depression, Meditation, Mind–body medicine

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☆ This study was supported by Grant R03 AT002236 from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine [1] National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Bertisch was supported by an Institutional National Research Service Award (T32AT00051-06) from the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Wee was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (K23DK02962) at the time the study was conducted. Dr. Phillips is supported by a Mid-Career Investigator Award (K24AT000589) from the NCCAM, NIH.

☆☆ This manuscript was presented in part at the Society of General Internal Medicine National Conference, Los Angeles, CA, April 2006. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NCCAM, nor of the National Institutes of Health.

PII: S0022-3999(08)00581-3

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2008.12.003

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 66, Issue 6 , Pages 511-519, June 2009

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