Many people seek complementary and alternative approaches to psychosis. Understanding the evidence base helps make informed choices.
Complementary Approaches with Evidence for Psychosis
Acupuncture: Several studies show modest effects on psychosis symptoms, particularly for anxiety and pain-related presentations.
Yoga: One of the best-evidenced complementary approaches — multiple mechanisms relevant to psychosis.
Massage therapy: Reduces cortisol and increases serotonin — documented effects on psychosis symptom severity.
Supplements: Omega-3s, magnesium, and vitamin D have meaningful evidence for some psychosis presentations.
Complementary Approaches with Limited Evidence for Psychosis
Crystal healing, homeopathy, and many energy medicine approaches lack scientific evidence for psychosis. Risk of harm is low, but opportunity cost of forgoing evidence-based treatment is real.
Using Complementary Approaches Safely for Psychosis
Complementary approaches work best as additions to, not replacements for, evidence-based psychosis treatment. Always inform your healthcare providers of everything you're using.