Anxiety disorders are the most common types of psychiatric disorder. The diagnosis of an anxiety disorder is based largely on its symptoms. However, symptoms identical to those of an anxiety disorder can be caused by a medical condition (for example, an overactive thyroid gland) or by the use of drugs (for example, corticosteroids, amphetamines, cocaine, or excess caffeine).

Patients with generalized anxiety disorder experience worry or anxiety and a number of physical and psychological symptoms. The disorder is frequently difficult to diagnose because of the variety of presentations and the common occurrence of other medical or psychiatric conditions. The lifetime prevalence is approximately 4 to 6 percent in the general population and is more common in women than in men. It is often chronic, and patients with this disorder are more likely to be seen by family physicians than by psychiatrists. Treatment consists of pharmacotherapy and various forms of psychotherapy. The benzodiazepines are used for short-term treatment, but because of the frequently chronic nature of generalized anxiety disorder, they may need to be continued for months to years. Buspirone and antidepressants are also used for the pharmacologic management of patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Patients must receive an appropriate pharmacologic trial with dosage titrated to optimal levels as judged by the control of symptoms and the tolerance of side effects.

There are several supplements and herbs that may help reduce anxiety and stress, including:

5-HTP  works by increasing levels of serotonin. You can buy 5-HTP here.
Ashwagandha an Ayurvedic herb with some relaxation properties
Kava from the South Pacific islands, to be used no more than 3 days a week.
Hops helps relax and can sometimes be useful at night in tea form to help induce sleep.
Passionflower can help calm a person without a great deal of sedation.
Fish Oils  help stabilize mood
St. John's wort in low doses
Valerian is able to reduce anxiety

SAM-e, used for depression, in high doses, may increase anxiety.

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Anxiety emails
Q. I have been on Valium 5-15 mg (varies) daily and Atenolol (maybe the generic name) for moderate hypertension. I am 30 years old. Both of my parents have hypertension that is under control by drugs. What do u recommend do that i dont feel that anxiety if i dont take my benzodiazepine? I fely very amnestic before but for some reason has reduced probably coz I took Ashwagandha and left Valium for around 18 days. But that feeling of being uncomfortable and insecure came back.
   A. There are other herbs that one can try that may help reduce the need for Valium or reduce the frequency of Valium use. See above.

Q. could you please tell me what herbal products are best for treating social anxiety disorder? I saw that Kava Kava had "also good for social anxiety" written by it. Would kava kava make me feel relaxed in social situations? Do many
others use kava kava for SAD? If so, how effective?
   A. It is difficult to predict which herb used for anxiety will work in any particular person. The best way, and perhaps the only way, is by trial and error to see which ones, in what dosages, are most effective.

Q. I am desperate to find a product safe for my 10 year old who suffers from generalized anxiety disorder and selective mutism. I am considering ashwagandha.
   A. We are not familiar with the treatment of selective mutism. Children with selective mutism fail to speak in select settings. They understand language and speak, and may speak to their parents and a few selected others. Many of these children often do not speak in school, and in other major social situations. We are not sure if supplements will work, but it is worth trying a few to see if any of them are helpful.

Q. Can you tell me which is better for anxiety, Alphawaves or True Calm by Now Foods.
   A. We are not familiar with Alphawaves or True Calm.

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