Page 91 - Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments in Psychiatry
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             improve, a slow titration down from current meds may be in
             order.
           As brain chemistry begins to normalize through proper
          nutrient and endocrine balance, patients usually begin to feel
          better. By re-evaluating the patient’s progress at regular
          intervals, we adjust the plan as needed to keep him or her on a
          path to recovery and greater wellness.


          Summary
           Though learning the arts of integrative psychiatry takes some
          time and effort, the rewards are worth it. Instead of maintaining
          patients on a steady dose of medication, monitoring them for
          inevitable side effects and adjusting meds when things go awry,
          you start thinking in terms of recovery. Lots of my clients simply
          recover from their underlying bodily issues and get well. In fact,
          in many cultures worldwide, psychotic and other psychiatric
          conditions are regularly treated by family and community
          support, without the recurrence that we in the West assume is
          inevitable. Another large percentage improves markedly. Even
          those who remain symptomatic can often be helped with
          treatments such as herbs, supplements, or lifestyle changes that
          bring relief—regardless of the cause—without the downsides of
          meds.
           That means greater wellness for my patients and happier lives
          for them and their families. That is a gratifying result for any
          physician.
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