The NHANES data set has several limitations for fully assessing the use of alternative medicine in depression. First, we did not have data on nonpharmacological forms of traditional and alternative treatments, such as psychotherapy, chiropractic, and meditation. Thus the results likely underestimate the full range of treatments used by depressed individuals. Second, no information was available on why the survey participants were taking the medications, although the increased use of these medications among people with depression suggests the likelihood of some self-medication for depressive symptoms.