What Drives the Adoption of Integrative Medicine in Psychiatry? Insights from a Swiss Study

Understanding the Push Towards Integrative Psychiatry

As mental health care evolves, more clinicians are turning to complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) to enhance traditional psychiatric treatment. But what encourages—or hinders—professionals from adopting these practices?

A recent study by researchers from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland and the University of Lausanne explored this question, surveying over 1,500 psychiatric professionals across Swiss hospitals and clinics.

What Is Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM)?

CIM combines evidence-based complementary treatments—like acupuncture, mindfulness, herbal medicine—with conventional psychiatric care. It includes:

• Mind–body therapies (e.g., relaxation, hypnosis)
• Natural products (e.g., herbs, essential oils)
• Manipulative practices (e.g., massage, osteopathy)
• Energy-based methods (e.g., reiki)
• Whole medical systems (e.g., Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture).

These therapies aim to support—not replace—conventional treatment and are increasingly favored for conditions like anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Swiss Mental Health Professionals Show Strong Support for CIM

Of the 1,561 professionals surveyed, 61.6% had already used CIM in their clinical practice, and 73.2% had used it personally or with family members. Yet only 24.7% had undergone recognized CIM training, pointing to a critical educational gap.

What Predicts CIM Use in Psychiatry?

Using Triandis’ Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour (TIB), the research team—led by Dr. Corinne Schaub and Dr. Mohamed Faouzi—identified the key psychosocial and demographic factors influencing intention to use CIM:

1. Perceived Social Norms

Professionals were more likely to adopt CIM if they believed their peers and institutions supported it. Strong leadership and visible role models proved influential.

2. Emotional Experience (Affect)

Positive emotions like confidence and satisfaction with CIM boosted its use, while discomfort and doubt discouraged adoption. Affect emerged as a core factor in decision-making.

3. Descriptive Norms

When CIM was visibly used by colleagues, professionals were more likely to follow suit—a form of social proof that influenced behavior.

4. Past Experience

Professionals who had used CIM recently were significantly more likely to plan continued use, especially those who had used it more than five times in the previous month.

5. Demographic Predictors

Older age, fewer years of clinical experience, and holding a managerial position were associated with higher intention to use CIM. These patterns suggest openness to innovation and strategic responsibility may drive adoption.

What Can Institutions Do?

To foster CIM use in psychiatry, healthcare organizations should:

• Provide structured CIM training
• Encourage leadership endorsement
• Highlight peer use through success stories
• Promote a culture that views CIM as compatible with psychiatric care

Conclusion

This study—published in Integrative Medicine Research—offers a data-driven foundation for advancing CIM in mental health care. By aligning institutional support with clinicians' emotional comfort and professional norms, psychiatric hospitals can pave the way for more holistic, patient-centered treatment models.

Study Reference:
Schaub, C., Faouzi, M., Vonlanthen, J., et al. (2025). Predictors of the intention to use integrative medicine in psychiatric hospitals. Integrative Medicine Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2025.101179:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.