While I have a conservative practice in Psychiatry including psychopharmacology and psychodynamic psychotherapy, in my practice I have increasingly found that many patients are using supplements including vitamins and herbs. The use of such products is considered under the domain of Integrative Psychiatry, and in some instances can help. Thus as a psychiatrist I find it my responsibility to have a familiarity with such products along with other increasing popular treatments such as Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation, Bright Light Therapy, and Biofeedback, to appropriately educate my patients, and make such modalities available if desired.
Thus on this website I attempt to present information to help make informed decisions. The treatments and supplements including vitamins, and herbs discussed are not exhaustive in scope, but rather focus in on what I have found to be practical, supported by research, and generally accepted by the alternative medicine community as having some possible validity. Such treatments and products should only be taken under the supervision of a licensed health care provider, and used to complement traditional treatments utilized in modern psychiatric practice. The focus of this website is on mild cases of anxiety, depression, insomnia, cognitive decline, and early dementia. Complementary and alternative therapies should never be used as a first line of treatment in serious conditions involving severe impairment, psychosis, mania, or suicidal thinking.
Robert Homer, M.D., Ph.D. Boca Raton, FL
Diplomate in Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Diplomate in Addiction Medicine, American Board of Addiction Medicine
Master Psychopharmacologist with Distinction, Neuroscience Education Institute
Member of the American Psychiatric Association
Member of the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology
Web site is currently under revision (May 2011), with last full update on April 3, 2008. It is the web companion to my book Psychiatry Alternatives available for purchase as an e-book or paperback published by lulu (currently not available as pending new edition).
Some products discussed and linked to may not have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and none of these products are approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Some information may be accidentally incorrect or unintentionally misleading. I do not recommend the use of any of the products and take no responsibility for any consequences. In particular I recommend that supplements if they are taken or other alternatives if chosen, be taken or used with caution because they are not tested for safety or regulated or approved by the FDA like prescription medications, yet they can also have serious side effects, become toxic, cause allergic reactions, cause birth defects, get into breast milk, thin blood-increasing the risk for bleeding especially with surgery, cause sedation and impairment leading to accidents, and interact with other medications and supplements potentially changing their levels in dangerous ways (among other potential complications). Like medications, several supplements may be dangerous if combined with alcohol. In addition if a supplement or other alternative therapy is self-prescribed, one may misdiagnose their condition and could be putting themselves in jeopardy of worsening symptoms. Furthermore, even if a supplement seems to be well tolerated, and seems to have a good safety record, complications may arise with high doses or prolonged use. Thus, I believe supplements are best utilized when recommended by a doctor who is familiar with their use and who has diagnosed the condition for which they are intended, and who can monitor for safety and progress. Dr. Homer is an affiliate of programs offering products for the Life Extension Foundation, The WildDivine Project, and Amazon.com.