January 19, 2007 – People with depression under the care of a doctor trained in anthroposophic medicine obtain clinical results comparable to those of patients treated in conventional medicine and psychotherapy. This is indicated by the results of a German prospective study of 97 patients with moderate to severe depression.1.
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Anthroposophic medicine is a medical approach based on anthroposophy, a social and philosophical system created in the early 20th century.e century by Austrian-born scientist and philosopher Rudolph Steiner (1861-1925). |
Anthroposophic physicians have classical medical training, but they employ a holistic approach: they prefer “natural” medicines, they spend more time with their patients and offer them therapeutic activities such as eurythmy (art of movement). ), art therapy, music therapy or rhythmic massage.
The supervised team followed the subjects for four years at the start of their anthroposophic therapy. Study results indicate that one-third of patients saw at least 50% improvement in symptoms. This improvement was still maintained after the four years of the study.
As the trial did not include a control group, these results should compare with those generally obtained with conventional treatments for depression. However, the results in anthroposophic medicine correspond to those observed in depressive patients treated with antidepressants and psychotherapy.2.
The German researchers point out that 55% of subjects did not use antidepressants or conventional psychotherapy during the first six months of anthroposophic therapy.
The research team has already published other results indicating that the anthroposophical approach could benefit patients with chronic diseases.3 or respiratory tract or ear infection4. They also demonstrated that this approach was economically viable, both in the short and long term.5.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. Hamre HJ, Witt CM et al. Anthroposophic therapy for chronic depression: a four-year prospective cohort study. BMC Psychiatry. 2006 Dec 15; 6: 57. Full text: www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov
2. Westen D, Morrison K. A multidimensional meta-analysis of treatments for depression, panic, and generalized anxiety disorder: an empirical examination of the status of empirically supported therapies. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2001 Dec; 69 (6): 875-99.
3. Hamre HJ, Witt CM et al. Use and safety of anthroposophic medications in chronic disease: a 2-year prospective analysis. Drug Saf. 2006; 29 (12): 1173-89.
4. Hamre HJ, Fischer M et al. Anthroposophic vs. conventional therapy of acute respiratory and ear infections: a prospective outcomes study. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2005 Apr; 117 (7-8): 256-68.
5. Hamre HJ, Witt CM et al. Health costs in anthroposophic therapy users: a two-year prospective cohort study. BMC Health Serv Res. 2006 Jun 2; 6: 65. Full text: www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov
