Adjunctive

Adjunctive

Adjunctive therapy refers to a treatment used together with the primary treatment to assist with a disease or condition. It is a supplementary treatment that enhances the effectiveness of the primary treatment. In the medical field, adjunctive therapies are often used to improve patient outcomes, manage symptoms, or reduce side effects of the primary treatment.

Overview

Adjunctive therapies can be pharmacological, such as medications, or non-pharmacological, such as physical therapy, psychotherapy, or lifestyle modifications. The choice of adjunctive therapy depends on the condition being treated, the primary treatment, and the individual patient's needs.

Applications in Medicine

Adjunctive therapies are used in various medical fields, including:

Psychiatry

In psychiatry, adjunctive therapies are often used to enhance the effects of primary treatments like antidepressants or antipsychotics. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be used alongside medication to treat depression or anxiety disorders.

Oncology

In oncology, adjunctive therapies can include treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy used in conjunction with surgery to treat cancer. These therapies can help to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and improve survival rates.

Pain Management

In pain management, adjunctive therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or nerve blocks may be used alongside medications to manage chronic pain conditions.

Infectious Diseases

In the treatment of infectious diseases, adjunctive therapies might include the use of probiotics to restore gut flora balance during or after antibiotic treatment.

Benefits of Adjunctive Therapy

Adjunctive therapies can provide several benefits, including:

• Enhanced Efficacy: By complementing the primary treatment, adjunctive therapies can improve overall treatment outcomes.
• Symptom Management: They can help manage symptoms that are not fully addressed by the primary treatment.
• Side Effect Reduction: Adjunctive therapies can mitigate the side effects of primary treatments, improving patient comfort and adherence.

Considerations

When considering adjunctive therapy, healthcare providers must evaluate the potential benefits and risks. Factors such as drug interactions, patient preferences, and overall treatment goals should be considered.

Also see

• Combination therapy
• Complementary and alternative medicine
• Multimodal treatment
• Supportive care

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Adjunctive for any updates.

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