Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

The Role Of Cannabidiol In The Treatment Of Pediatric Patients With Refractory Epilepsy, Evan Chidley

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THE ROLE OF CANNABIDIOL IN THE TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH REFRACTORY EPILEPSY

Author(s) and affiliations: Evan Chidley¹, MMS (c), MPH (c)

¹Arcadia University; echidley@arcadia.edu; (515) 201-6901

Introduction: Intractable epilepsy in children can significantly impair quality of life and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) do not adequately reduce seizures for all pediatric patients. Recently, cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main compounds of marijuana, has shown promise as a potential treatment for uncontrolled seizure activity. This paper poses the following question: In pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, is cannabidiol (CBD) more effective in reducing seizure activity than traditional anti-epileptic drugs …

How The Amino Acid L-Serine Provides Neuroprotection Against L-Bmaa Induced Alzheimer’S Disease, Joseph Cimino

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More than 6 million people in America are living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and there are currently no cures or treatments. It is time to move on from the ꞵ-amyloid hypothesis and broaden AD research. New research is suggesting that dietary exposure to a cyanobacterial toxin known as L-BMAA is causing neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s Disease. L-BMAA is misincorporated during protein folding, in place of the proper amino acid, L-Serine. It has been shown that the naturally occurring amino acid, L-Serine, can provide neuroprotection against L-BMAA, but the mechanism by which L-Serine infers …

The Effects Of Psychological Intervention On Pregnant Women With Elevated Cortisol Levels And Adverse Birth Events, Megan Mellon

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Elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy are thought to influence cortisol levels. Dysregulations in cortisol, as a byproduct of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, have been associated with preterm birth and adverse birth outcomes. Studies have demonstrated poorer long-term effects of antenatal stress on child neurodevelopment, temperament, and cognition. Psychological interventions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and gratitude have shown to have a positive effect on psychological wellbeing across various populations. The purpose of this literature review was to analyze a collection of randomized-controlled trials to conclude if psychological interventions during pregnancy for women with elevated levels of …

The Efficacy Of Mdma-Assisted Psychotherapy Compared To The Efficacy Of Traditional Psychotherapy In Treating Anxiety-Related Symptoms In 18–40-Year-Old Adults Diagnosed With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd), Blake Beasley

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Introduction: MDMA, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a psychoactive chemical which stimulates the release of serotonin, oxytocin, prolactin, and cortisol. Up until it became a Schedule I drug in 1985, making the chemical completely illegal in the US, MDMA was used as an “adjunct to the therapeutic process” in therapeutic settings, though no known controlled therapeutic studies were performed up until that point. More recently, research has been conducted studying the effects of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy on helping to eliminate the fear responses common in patients afflicted with PTSD. Some researchers have further hypothesized that MDMA has a stronger, longer lasting effect …

The Efficacy And Safety Of Tetrahydrocannabinol (Thc) Compared To Traditional Pharmacotherapy In Treating Agitation And Aggression Associated With Dementia, Shane Kalette

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Introduction: Dementia is a disease that affects the brain and can cause serious deficits in the life of the patient and their family or caregivers.The current mainstay of treatment for agitation and aggression symptoms is atypical antipsychotics, and occasionally off-label SSRIs. Though these methods have shown good efficacy, the number and severity of adverse events that occur with these medications is concerning to patients, families, and providers. Due to the high side-effect profile, many clinicians are looking for an alternative approach with more safety and potentially more efficacy. Among the candidates is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This paper investigates the efficacy and …

Efficacy Of Behavioral Therapy Compared To Pharmacotherapy As A First Line Treatment For Adhd In Prepubescent Patients Between 5-12 Years Old, Toby Hoskins

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic psychiatric illness that is commonly diagnosed in children and is characterized by attention problems and hyperactive tendencies. Patients with ADHD have multiple treatment options including behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. There is some evidence that clinicians have started to prescribe stimulants at a much higher rate. The results of this critical analysis were varied, but all studies concluded that behavioral therapy is a successful treatment modality for ADHD patients.

Acupuncture Therapy In The Treatment Of Osteoarthritis Of The Knee, Reece Bartell

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Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition that affects the joints of the body, most commonly the knees; it has the potential to cause debilitating pain, and stiffness and decrease quality of life. The current management involves lifestyle modifications of a healthy diet and exercise as well as analgesics like NSAIDs or acetaminophen to manage symptoms. Long-term use of these medications has been associated with many side effects affecting the GI and CV system. This review analyzes the use of acupuncture therapy (I) for symptom management (O) in patients aged 60-80 years old suffering from mild to moderate …