Submitting Author(s)

Zachary Winchell, Rowan University

Date of Presentation

5-2-2019 12:00 AM

College

School of Osteopathic Medicine

Poster Abstract

Osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) fundamentally aims to remedy somatic dysfunction through the manipulation of the patient. In this regard, OMT is a particularly viable non-pharmacological adjunct for patients with depressive and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

In both of these disorders, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis has an interdependent relationship with physiological stress that feed one another to both increase symptomology and leave patients vulnerable to negative life events. Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines acting on the brain over long periods of time can lead to exacerbation of disease and the development of depression in susceptible individuals. Altered cytokine balance has also been found in patients suffering from GAD.

Many OMT techniques seek to normalize body function; through the normalization of sympathetic and parasympathetic tone and the enhancement of blood and lymph flow.

Current research directly linking OMT and these conditions is limited, but there appears to be a potential for the use of OMT.

Keywords

Osteopathic manipulative therapy, OMT, depression, clinical depression, generalized anxiety disorder, GAD

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathy | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatry

Document Type

Poster

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May 2nd, 12:00 AM

OMT for the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety

Osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) fundamentally aims to remedy somatic dysfunction through the manipulation of the patient. In this regard, OMT is a particularly viable non-pharmacological adjunct for patients with depressive and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

In both of these disorders, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis has an interdependent relationship with physiological stress that feed one another to both increase symptomology and leave patients vulnerable to negative life events. Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines acting on the brain over long periods of time can lead to exacerbation of disease and the development of depression in susceptible individuals. Altered cytokine balance has also been found in patients suffering from GAD.

Many OMT techniques seek to normalize body function; through the normalization of sympathetic and parasympathetic tone and the enhancement of blood and lymph flow.

Current research directly linking OMT and these conditions is limited, but there appears to be a potential for the use of OMT.

 

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