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Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Pediatrics

The term complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a broad group of healing philosophies, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic interventions that do not belong to the predominant conventional health system of a particular society. Some authors separately define alternative therapies as those used in place of conventional practices, while complementary or integrative medicine can be combined with mainstream approaches.

In the United States and other Western nations, CAM therapies are often defined as interventions that are not taught in medical schools and are not available in hospital-based practices, such as dietary supplements (amino acids, herbal products/botanicals, minerals, vitamins, and substances that increase total dietary intake), modalities (manipulative therapies, mind-body medicine, and energy/bioelectromagnetic-based approaches), spiritual healing, and nutritional/dietary modification.

Boundaries between CAM and conventional therapies are not always clear and often change over time. Scientific evidence has led to broader mainstream acceptance of some CAM therapies and rejection of others.

Prevalence in pediatrics

As of 2007, the NIH reported that there had not yet been a large national survey that broadly addressed a range of CAM treatments. Small surveys conducted in the United States and Canada since 2001 have yielded a wide range of prevalence of CAM among pediatric and adolescent patients (younger than 18 years). Approximately 1.8% of the general pediatric United States population uses CAM. However, use varies by region. For example, reports have shown 12% usage in suburban Detroit compared with 33% in a Midwestern metropolitan area.

Rates of CAM treatment are higher for pediatric patients with chronic conditions, such as asthma, juvenile arthritis, cancer, cystic fibrosis, and cerebral palsy, as well as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Studies show that in these cases, CAM is used both to fight the disease itself and to manage its symptoms. Data shows that 49%-84% of these patients have tried CAM therapy, typically as adjunctive therapy for pain. CAM is also used in generally healthy children to boost the immune system and to prevent colds and infections. Earlier studies report a lower overall prevalence of CAM use (9%-54%), possibly due to increasing rates of utilization, or to broadening of the definition of CAM both in survey questionnaires and in respondents' views.

The most popularly reported CAM therapies include herbal supplements, high-dose vitamin therapy, homeopathy, nutritional supplements, naturopathy, folk/home remedies, chiropractic care, prayer/spiritual approaches, and infant massage therapy. In addition, 21%-81% of pediatric cancer patients take high-dose vitamins, 9%-60% use herbs and supplements, 7%-25% use combination herbal teas (such as Essiac®), and 9%-24% follow specific diets, such as a vegan or macrobiotic diet. Use of massage, acupuncture, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy has also been reported.

U.S. pediatricians on the whole are reportedly open to CAM therapies, but conversations about CAM are most often initiated by patients and their parents. One study published in 2007 indicated that 71% of the American Academy of Pediatrics fellows surveyed would consider sending their patients to CAM practitioners, but that only 37% asked if patients were using CAM in routine check-ups. One report found that 86% of CAM users learned about CAM therapies through friends, whereas just 6% were introduced to them by their physicians.

Bibliography

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Related Terms

CAM, folkloric, holistic, irregular, integrative, naturopathy, non-allopathic, non-conventional, non-Western, traditional, unconventional, unorthodox, unproven medicine.

Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intendedfor informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

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Health Glossary

Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Pediatrics

Background

Cam research

Prevalence in pediatrics

Safety concerns

Author information

Bibliography

Related Terms