Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 1994 Feb; 138(6): 296-9.

[Use of alternative treatments by patients with multiple sclerosis]

van der Ploeg HM, Molenaar MJ, van Tiggelen CW.

Vrije Universiteit, vakgroep Medische Psychologie, Amsterdam.

OBJECTIVE. Survey on the use of alternative treatments by patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). SETTING. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. DESIGN. Descriptive. METHOD. A structured telephone interview was conducted with 100 MS patients randomly selected from the membership list of the Dutch Multiple Sclerosis Society. RESULTS. At the time of the survey 26% of the 88 respondents reported current use of alternative treatments. An additional 42% reported use of alternative treatments in the past, but had ceased to take them. The currently most frequently used treatment was homeopathy followed by vitamin treatments, paranormal treatments and phytotherapy. The treatments most used in the past were paranormal treatments, homeopathic remedies and enzyme therapy. Recommendations by friends and relatives were strong incentives to start alternative treatment. Patients ceased using these treatments when the treatments proved ineffective. In general, the current users of alternative treatments had a favourable impression of their alternative therapist. CONCLUSION. When compared with patients with other chronic diseases, the use of alternative treatments by MS patients is high.