People often ask me whether there are any natural supplements or vitamins that they can take for anxiety, OCD or panic attacks. Here is what you need to know in two minutes.
As always, my content is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. It is crucial to check with your doctor before starting or stopping any medication, even over the counter medications and supplements.
Some references and further reading:
– Pittler MH, Ernst E. Kava extract for treating anxiety. Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2003; CD003383.
– Amsterdam JD, Li Y, Soeller I, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2009; 29:378.
– Saeed SA, Bloch RM, Antonacci DJ. Herbal and dietary supplements for treatment of anxiety disorders. Am Fam Physician 2007; 76:549.
– Gautam M, Agrawal M, Gautam M, et al. Role of antioxidants in generalised anxiety disorder and depression. Indian J Psychiatry 2012; 54:244.
– For those with UpToDate access, they have an excellent summary on this:
— Bystritsky A, Complementary and alternative treatments for anxiety symptoms and disorders: Herbs and medications. UpToDate, Dec 2019.
