Herbal and dietary supplements for treatment of anxiety disorders.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine has increased over the past decade. A variety of studies have suggested that this use is greater in persons with symptoms or diagnoses of anxiety and depression. Data support the effectiveness of some popular herbal remedies and dietary supplements; in some of these products, particularly kava, the potential for benefit seems greater than that for harm with short-term use in patients with mild to moderate anxiety. Inositol has been found to have modest effects in patients with panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Physicians should not encourage the use of St. John's wort, valerian, Sympathyl, or passionflower for the treatment of anxiety based on small or inconsistent effects in small studies. Although the evidence varies depending on the supplement and the anxiety disorder, physicians can collaborate with patients in developing dietary supplement strategies that minimize risks and maximize benefits.
Saeed
Sy Atezaz
SA
Department of Psychiatric Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, USA.
Bloch
Richard M
RM
Antonacci
Diana J
DJ
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D020902:Hypericum; D020901:Kava; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D028321:Plant Preparations