Part 1

My last article (aromatherapy and anxiety) began by referring to a recent and important piece of clinical research into CAM, which focussed specifically on CAM's evidence-base and clinical indications for its use (Ernst et al., 2003). In an earlier paper, Ernst et al. focussed more specifically on complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) for depression.

Whilst there were some indications of aromatherapy's usefulness in this context, and recommendations for further investigation, the authors found that it was "... not possible to draw any firm conclusions about the value of aromatherapy for depression" at that time. It is, however, unarguable that depression is one of the most common reasons for seeking the intervention of complementary therapists.

Many patients do perceive aromatherapy as valuable in the treatment of depression; however, the task of establishing aromatherapy, in particular, as an effective intervention for the treatment of depression, or any other disorder, is certainly not facilitated by the lack of rigorous scientific data into the efficacy of CATs in general.

We must draw a distinction between the psychiatric classification of 'mood disorders' (affective disorders) and general depression/low mood as discussed here. The term mood disorder' describes various disorders of mood (bipolar, major, endogenous, reactive, etc.) that include depression and its associated characteristics as one of a number of (often secondary) symptoms present within a given syndrome.

It is beyond the scope of this article to go into any more detail about these various psychiatric classifications of 'mood disorders', but suffice it to say that it is way beyond the competencies of the aromatherapist to attempt to differentiate between, or provide intervention for, any of these often serious and enduring disorders.

As a general definition, we will take 'depression' to mean "... a mood state characterised by a sense of inadequacy, a feeling of despondency, a decrease in activity or reactivity, pessimism, sadness and related symptoms" .

In this two-part article we will consider depression (mild to moderate) in its broadest form, as a transient state which we can expect one in every three people to experience an episode of during their lifetime.

Before going further, there are several important points for an aromatherapist to consider when a client either presents with symptoms/reports depression:

1. Aromatherapy should not be viewed as an 'alternative' to conventional medical/psychological intervention for depression.
   
   Even if it were irrefutably proven that aromatherapy could 'help' your client's depressed mood, aromatherapists cannot diagnose or treat depression and it is therefore essential that we always recommend/refer our client to seek the help of their GP or other suitably qualified professional.
   
   
2. Disclosure, discretion and referrals. Many aromatherapists genuinely have the best of intentions when they encourage clients to 'open up' to them; society teaches us to 'get it off our chest' etc., but unless you have undertaken additional training in counselling or another relevant therapy, you should be careful not to encourage your client to discuss/disclose issues which you may not be suitably trained to deal with.

Disclosure of painful fears/issues can often cause severe distress when brought into the open: and the aromatherapist's treatment room is not the best place (for your client) for this to occur. Nor do we want our clients to leave our practices in distressed and vulnerable states. Where a client does disclose important issues to you, or express an interest in a talking therapy/counselling, act with sensitivity & discretion (qualities you will already have nurtured in yourself as a therapist), explain your professional limitations, and refer on appropriately.

Part 2 of this article will consider the possible uses and benefits of aromatherapy in this context, particularly, the use of essential oils for their uplifting/antidepressant actions, and the use of aromatherapy for counteracting the side effects of commonly prescribed medication.

© Lisa Basso BSc (HONS) Psych, MIFPA, MICHT. AC
Zamya Ltd

Our thanks to Todays Therapist for allowing us to reproduce this past article