Seeking Guidance on Alternative Medicine Recommendations from a DO
I am a 37-year-old woman, 5 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds. I have bipolar disorder type I, which is well-managed with 200mg of Lamictal. Additionally, I take 10mg of Adderall for ADHD and occasionally use 100mg of Trazodone for sleep, roughly six times each month. I have no prior medical history and do not smoke or consume alcohol. This concern began approximately a month ago and has continued after three consultations with my doctor. My psychiatrist is a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)—though I’m not sure if there's another qualification he holds. Generally, he is quite pleasant and straightforward; however, he has recently been urging me to consider alternative therapies, specifically Eastern medicine practices. I find it hard to comprehend how treatments such as cupping, acupuncture, or chiropractic care could positively affect my bipolar condition. Is there any scientific backing in the medical field that supports the effectiveness of these methods? It strikes me as odd since he initially suggested pharmaceutical options, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and ketamine treatment. Should I consider transitioning to a different healthcare provider, or is it acceptable for me to express my reservations about these recommendations? I appreciate your insights and feedback on this matter.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 6:10:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to have concerns about alternative therapies, particularly when they challenge your previous treatment plan. Let's break this down:
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Understanding Alternative Therapies: Your psychiatrist, as a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), might be integrating a holistic approach which sometimes includes practices like acupuncture or chiropractic care. While there are studies suggesting certain benefits of these methods (like pain relief from chiropractic care and some anxiety relief from acupuncture for other conditions), the evidence regarding their effectiveness specifically for bipolar disorder and ADHD is limited and not universally accepted in the medical community.
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Science and Evidence: Current research on Eastern medicine practices mostly supports their use as complementary rather than standalone treatments for mental health conditions. For example, acupuncture may help reduce symptoms like anxiety, but it shouldn’t replace treatment for bipolar disorder or ADHD. There’s insufficient evidence that methods like cupping have significant benefits for mental health.
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Communicating with Your Provider: It’s absolutely acceptable to express your reservations about alternative therapies to your psychiatrist. You might say something like, "I appreciate your suggestion of alternative therapies, but I’m uneasy about how they relate to my treatment for bipolar disorder and ADHD." This could open up a dialogue for him to explain his perspective and for you to convey your concerns.
Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring Your Medication: Ensure you’re adhering to your prescribed medications, as they are the primary treatment for your conditions.
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Open Dialogue: Schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your feelings about his recommendations. Be clear about what you're comfortable with and what you believe is effective for you.
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Seek Information: Consider doing some research on alternative therapies to better understand their potential benefits and risks. This could empower your discussions with your psychiatrist.
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Second Opinion: If after your conversation you still feel uneasy about his treatment approach, seeking a second opinion from another mental health professional (who understands both pharmacotherapy and complementary therapies) might also be beneficial.
Remember, your mental health journey is personal, and feeling secure in your treatment plan is important. You deserve to feel confident about the directions discussed in your care.
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