Ion-George Anghelescu1, David Edwards2, Erich Seifritz3, Siegfried Kasper4. 1. a Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Clinic Dr. Fontheim , Liebenburg , Germany. 2. b Claridges Barn , Oxfordshire , UK. 3. c Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics , Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland. 4. d Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria.
Abstract
Objective: Stress describes the physiological reaction to threat or pressure, which manifests as physical symptoms of exhaustion or energy loss and psychological symptoms, including irritability or tension. If untreated, chronic stress or burnout may develop, both are areas of unmet medical need. Evidence-based treatment and prevention measures are needed. Methods: Prevention strategies and existing treatment options for stress-related symptoms were evaluated to establish criteria for an adequate pharmacological approach to stress. The authors reviewed the literature to reach a clinically meaningful strategy for prevention and treatment of persistent stress symptoms and their consequences, including burnout and secondary diseases. Results: Current medication reveals a treatment gap. Most drugs target only psychological or physical stress symptoms. Furthermore, psychotropic medications sometimes prescribed for stress often have unacceptable side effects and bear a risk of overtreatment. Ideally pharmacological therapy should afford comprehensive treatment of all stress symptoms with a favourable safety profile. Conclusions: Rhodiola rosea extract (RRE) fulfils important requirements. It is the main adaptogen approved by the HMPC/EMA for the indication 'stress' and influences the release of stress hormones while boosting energy metabolism as revealed in animal literature. RRE offers comprehensive treatment of stress symptoms and can prevent chronic stress and stress-related complications.
Objective: Stress describes the physiological reaction to threat or pressure, which manifests as physical symptoms of exhaustion or energy loss and psychological symptoms, including irritability or tension. If untreated, chronic stress or burnout may develop, both are areas of unmet medical need. Evidence-based treatment and prevention measures are needed. Methods: Prevention strategies and existing treatment options for stress-related symptoms were evaluated to establish criteria for an adequate pharmacological approach to stress. The authors reviewed the literature to reach a clinically meaningful strategy for prevention and treatment of persistent stress symptoms and their consequences, including burnout and secondary diseases. Results: Current medication reveals a treatment gap. Most drugs target only psychological or physical stress symptoms. Furthermore, psychotropic medications sometimes prescribed for stress often have unacceptable side effects and bear a risk of overtreatment. Ideally pharmacological therapy should afford comprehensive treatment of all stress symptoms with a favourable safety profile. Conclusions: Rhodiola rosea extract (RRE) fulfils important requirements. It is the main adaptogen approved by the HMPC/EMA for the indication 'stress' and influences the release of stress hormones while boosting energy metabolism as revealed in animal literature. RRE offers comprehensive treatment of stress symptoms and can prevent chronic stress and stress-related complications.
Authors: Marie Bangratz; Samira Ait Abdellah; Aurélie Berlin; Claude Blondeau; Angèle Guilbot; Michel Dubourdeaux; Patrick Lemoine Journal: Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat Date: 2018-07-13 Impact factor: 2.570
Authors: H H Stassen; S Bachmann; R Bridler; K Cattapan; D Herzig; A Schneeberger; E Seifritz Journal: Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci Date: 2020-07-21 Impact factor: 5.270