Volume-1 ,Issue 3, October-2025

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly used as an adjunct in managing mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress-related conditions, insomnia, and cognitive impairments. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness, mechanisms, safety, and clinical integration of CAM therapies, including mind–body interventions, herbal medicines, nutraceuticals, traditional systems, and manipulative approaches. Evidence suggests CAM can improve symptoms and quality of life through neurotransmitter modulation, HPA axis regulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, neuroplasticity, and psychosocial mechanisms. While generally safe, herb–drug interactions and special population considerations warrant caution. Limitations include heterogeneous protocols, small samples, and short follow-ups. Standardized interventions, large-scale trials, and long-term safety studies are needed. CAM, when integrated with conventional care, offers a complementary strategy to enhance holistic mental health outcomes.

Keyword: Complementary and alternative medicine; Mental disorders; Mind–body therapies; Herbal medicine; Integrative psychiatry; Neuroplasticity