Alternative and complementary treatment use in patients with schizophrenia: a study from Turkey

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence and characteristics of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in Turkish people with schizophrenia.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey of patients with schizophrenia was carried out in the cities of Rize, Kutahya, Isparta, Afyon, and Ankara in Turkey. Three hundred and sixty-six patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia confirmed by clinical assessment in the psychiatric outpatient clinics were recruited to the study. Survey questionnaire was administered face-to-face by psychiatrists

Results: Results of the 366 patients with schizophrenia in the study, 117 patients (32%) stated that they had used at least one CAM therapy in the last six months, while 249 (68%) patients stated that they had not used CAM. Younger age, female, living in rural areas and shorter disease duration appear to be related to CAM use in schizophrenia patients. The most common type of CAM used was spiritual healing by others (58.5%). To cope with schizophrenia (55.9%) was the most common reason cited for CAM users.

Conclusion: Almost one third of patients with schizophrenia use CAM therapies in Turkey. This should be investigated and taken into account by psychiatrists.