Gustavo Kinrys1, Eliza Coleman, Ethan Rothstein. 1. Depression and Anxiety Disorders Research Program, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. gkinrys@challiance.org
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Natural remedies have been widely used and generally accepted as established treatments of depressive disorders, leading to the investigation of their potential role and efficacy in the treatment of the various anxiety disorders. METHODS: Numerous case reports, open-label, and placebo-controlled trials investigating the use of natural remedies in the treatment of anxiety disorders have yielded some encouraging results. RESULTS: Overall, these studies have indicated a potential role for natural remedies in the treatment of anxiety and suggest that such agents may possess a safer side effects profile when compared to conventional agents. However, these early findings, albeit promising, are yet to be supported by further investigation in large-scale, placebo-controlled studies. CONCLUSIONS: This article reviews past and present research being performed in this area of clinical interest, while also revealing a remarkable paucity of data. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
BACKGROUND: Natural remedies have been widely used and generally accepted as established treatments of depressive disorders, leading to the investigation of their potential role and efficacy in the treatment of the various anxiety disorders. METHODS: Numerous case reports, open-label, and placebo-controlled trials investigating the use of natural remedies in the treatment of anxiety disorders have yielded some encouraging results. RESULTS: Overall, these studies have indicated a potential role for natural remedies in the treatment of anxiety and suggest that such agents may possess a safer side effects profile when compared to conventional agents. However, these early findings, albeit promising, are yet to be supported by further investigation in large-scale, placebo-controlled studies. CONCLUSIONS: This article reviews past and present research being performed in this area of clinical interest, while also revealing a remarkable paucity of data. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.