Publications

The prevalence of child and adolescent mental health disorders, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, andautism spectrum disorders, is increasing globally, necessitating diverse treatment approaches. While conventionalpsychiatric interventions such as pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy remain the standard of care, theirlimitations—including side effects, treatment resistance, and accessibility challenges—have led to a growinginterest in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Ayurveda, homeopathy, and other CAM interventionsare widely used, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where up to 97% of the population relieson traditional medicine. Despite their popularity, scientific validation of these treatments remains limited, withinconsistent evidence regarding their efficacy, safety, and feasibility for integration into mainstream psychiatriccare. This review examines the role of CAM in child and adolescent psychiatry, highlighting potential benefitsand limitations based on a comprehensive literature search across major databases, expert discussions froman academic seminar, and survey responses from clinicians. Findings suggest that Ayurvedic practices such as“Sattvavajaya” (a cognitive-behavioral therapy analog), homeopathic remedies, and mind-body interventions likeyoga and mindfulness show promise for managing psychiatric conditions. However, regulatory challenges, qualitycontrol concerns, and insufficient clinical validation hinder their integration into evidence-based mental healthcare.Further rigorous research, standardized treatment protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential todetermine the role of CAM in pediatric psychiatry. Medical education must also incorporate CAM-related trainingto equip clinicians with the knowledge necessary to guide patients and caregivers effectively.