Overview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2020, approximately 20% of American adults sought treatment for mental health issues. Among these individuals, 16.5% utilized medication-based treatments, while 10.1% opted for non-medication therapies. Interestingly, non-prescription treatments were more popular among younger adults (aged 18-44) at a rate of 13.2%, compared to seniors (aged 65 and over) at a rate of 4.7%. [1]
Are you a proponent of holistic approaches to mental health care? Do you have concerns about potential side effects of psychiatric medications? In this article, we will explore the realm of non-prescription mental health therapies – examining their effectiveness, current trends in treatment, and providing valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your mental health. By the end, you will gain the knowledge needed to take control of your mental well-being through alternative options.
Types of Non-prescription Therapies for Mental Illness Treatment
Non-prescription treatments for mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, such as mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), have become increasingly well-known. There are even more options available for your consideration beyond these treatments. Here are the broad categories:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy addresses an individual’s mental health conditions through talking with therapists using approaches such as CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).
Mind-body Therapies
Mind–body therapies include diverse practices like yoga, meditation and mindfulness focused on mind-body connections. They are gaining acceptance as mental health treatments in recent decades after ancient origins.
Natural Remedies and Supplements
With nutrient deficiencies linked to mental health conditions, research has explored supplements like omega-3s, vitamins C and E, and folate to alleviate symptoms.
Exercises
Research shows exercise helps conditions such as depression and anxiety. Its benefits serve both treatment and prevention roles for mental health.
Lifestyle Modifications
Growing evidence shows lifestyle changes such as diet, sleep, and stress management can be used as interventions to prevent and treat depression and anxiety. Additional factors like nature, and pets should also be considered for interventions.
Creative Therapies
Creative therapy uses activities like music, dance and drawing administered by trained therapists to treat emotional health issues. It helps individuals process thoughts and emotions through artistic expression, especially benefiting those struggling with verbal expression.
Current Situation of Mental Health Treatments
When individuals notice persistent changes in their thoughts, emotions, or behaviors and these changes have been causing interference in their daily lives, they should seek help early for better outcomes.
According to the National Health Interview Survey, the proportion of those having taken prescription medication went up from 15.8% in 2019 to 16.5% in 2020. The rising trend of receiving counseling or therapy is also observed in the same period. [1, 2]
With depression and anxiety emerge as the most common mental health conditions in the US, the rate of antidepressant prescriptions used among teenagers and adults grew almost four times between 1988-1994 and 2005-2008. [3]
Prescription medications seem to be more widely used in the US for treating mental health conditions and these are the main reasons behind this phenomenon:
- Prescription medications undergo extensive testing for safety and efficacy, as well as strict regulatory approval processes, giving them stronger oversight compared to non-prescription therapies.
- Mental illnesses vary in complexity. Prescription medications target neurological issues, making them a more effective treatment than non-prescription options.
- In the US, prescription medications have greater insurance coverage than non-prescription options. This enhances accessibility through reduced costs for those with insurance seeking treatment.
- The availability of non-prescription therapies varies regionally, while prescription medications have broader national accessibility through pharmacies and healthcare, making them a more reliable treatment option.
Effectiveness of Non-prescription Therapies in Mental Health Treatment
Mental health conditions are complex due to their multifaceted nature, with symptoms and severity varying substantially among individuals. This complexity hampers the development of widely applicable treatments.
It is worth noting that non-prescription therapies are suitable for mild to moderate conditions, but their effectiveness differs between individuals, so provider consultation is crucial. The effectiveness of each type of therapy is discussed below:
- Psychotherapy such as CBT, DBT and IPT has been extensively studied and shown effective for conditions like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. It can help individuals experiencing issues by alleviating symptoms, identifying psychological causes, and improving functioning/well-being, sometimes combined with medication. [1]
- A study analyzed scientific reviews of mind-body practices for mental health. Results showed that mindfulness meditation greatly improved symptoms of schizophrenia, while yoga also provided some aid for schizophrenia. Both techniques appeared safe to add to typical treatments like medication or therapy as a complement to healthy lifestyle strategies. [2]
- The contents and safety of natural remedies and supplements are not guaranteed as they are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Some supplements like St. John’s Wort may dangerously interact with prescriptions. It is thus strongly advised to seek healthcare professional’s advice before usage. [3]
- Evidence supports physical activity/exercise may help manage mental disorders. Aerobic exercise has more evidence for depression; aerobic and resistance training show efficacy for anxiety and PTSD. However, the potential of using exercise as a treatment is dimmed by individual responsiveness, the need for ongoing engagement, and differing views on underlying mechanisms. [4]
- Lifestyle interventions offer potential mental health benefits for those who can’t or won’t use drug treatments due to adverse reactions or preferences. Supporting mental health via lifestyle factors like diet, exercise and sleep may provide supplemental help for those dealing with unwanted medication effects. [5]
- Creative art therapy shows promise in treating severe mental illnesses but research on its therapeutic effectiveness can’t be confirmed as studies lack rigorous methodology and consistency in method and outcome.
Things to Consider When Making Mental Treatment Choices
As studies have found certain non-prescription therapies can provide relief for some individuals, it is essential to thoughtfully evaluate all relevant aspects of one’s own circumstances when choosing the most suitable treatment approach. You are advised to consider the following important factors when making decisions between prescription medications and non-prescription therapies.
- Diagnosis: The type and severity of the condition help determine the appropriate treatment approach and level of intensity needed.
- Individual preferences: Comfort level and willingness regarding treatments are the determinants of an individual’s perseverance through the treatment process, which is crucial for overall success.
- Side effects: All treatments have potential side effects, especially the prescription medications. It is therefore important to weigh the benefits of a treatment against its potential side effects before making your treatment choice.
- Cost and accessibility: The cost of treatment and whether it is covered by insurance can limit treatment choices. Also, the availability of treatment within an individual’s proximity can be a barrier to his/her persistence in receiving treatment.
- Professional advice: Do not make treatment choices alone, seek advice from healthcare providers as their expertise allows customized recommendations based on each individual’s condition.
- Treatment history: If previous treatments have been attempted, it is critical to consider their effectiveness and associated side effects.
- Co-occurring conditions: Multiple mental health diagnoses or a mental/physical condition can limit the choice of safe and effective treatments available to an individual.
Final Thoughts
There are certainly options beyond just medication alone for treating mental health issues. As discussed, psychotherapy, yoga, meditation, lifestyle changes, and creative activities may provide relief for those with mild to moderate conditions. Consulting with a healthcare provider allows determining the appropriate individualized treatment plan based on diagnosis and needs. The key is finding what wellness approach or combination of strategies is most effective for each unique person.
Sources:
- Terlizzi, E., & Norris, T. (2021). Mental Health Treatment Among Adults: United States, 2020 Key findings Data from the National Health Interview Survey. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db419.pdf
- Products – Data Briefs – Number 380 – September 2020. (2023). Retrieved December 8, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db380.htm
- Same as 1
- Products – Data Briefs – Number 377 – September 2020. (2023). Retrieved December 8, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db377.htm
- What is Psychotherapy? (2023). Retrieved December 9, 2023, from Psychiatry.org website: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy
- Davy Vancampfort, Stubbs, B., Tine Van Damme, Smıth, L., Hallgren, M., Felipe Barreto Schuch, … Firth, J. (2021). The efficacy of meditation-based mind-body interventions for mental disorders: A meta-review of 17 meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 134, 181–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.048
- Natural remedies for depression: Are they effective? (2018). Retrieved December 9, 2023, from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/natural-remedies-for-depression/faq-20058026
- Smith, P. J., & Merwin, R. M. (2021). The Role of Exercise in Management of Mental Health Disorders: An Integrative Review. Annual Review of Medicine, 72(1), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-med-060619-022943
- Lifestyle Interventions in Mental Health. (2014). Retrieved December 9, 2023, from Psychology Today website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-your-adult-child-breaks-your-heart/201408/lifestyle-interventions-in-mental-health
- Chiang, M., William Bernard Reid-Varley, & Fan, X. (2019). Creative art therapy for mental illness. Psychiatry Research, 275, 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2019.03.025