Frequently used abbreviations

ANOVA: analysis of variance
BMI: body mass index
CAM: complementary and alternative medicine
CAT: complementary and alternative therapies
CGI: Clinical Global Impression Scale
CCT: controlled clinical trial
CI: confidence interval
CM: complementary medicine
CONSORT: consolidated standards of reporting trials
DSM-IV: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 4th edn
EBM: evidence-based medicine
FDA: Food and Drug Administration
GP: general practitioner
HAMA: Hamilton Anxiety Scale
HAMD: Hamilton Depression Scale
HDL-C: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
ITT: intention-to-treat analysis
LDL-C: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
MANOVA: multivariate analysis of variance
MRC: Medical Research Council (in the UK)
NHS: National Health Service
NIH: National Institutes of Health
NNT: number needed to treat
NSAID: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
OR: odds ratio
OTC: over the counter
QALY: quality-adjusted life year(s)
QoL: quality of life
RCT: randomised clinical trial
RR: relative risk
SD: standard deviation
SF-36: Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-Item Short Form
STAI: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory
STRICTA: standards for reporting intervations in controlled trials of acupuncture
TCM: traditional Chinese medicine
VAS: visual analogue scale
WHO: World Health Organization
WOMAC: Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index