Monthly Archives: October 2015

Yoga for generalized anxiety, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Research studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that the regular practice of Yoga is beneficial for individuals who experience symptoms of generalized anxiety. The regular practice of specific yogic postures or breathing techniques change brain activity resulting in a state of … Continue reading

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Relaxation techniques for generalized anxiety

Widely used relaxation techniques include sustained deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and systematic desensitization. The physiology of relaxation has been investigated for many decades. According to one model anxiety is associated with muscle tension, and is reduced by … Continue reading

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L-theanine is an effective treatment of anxiety and does not cause drowsiness

Green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine. The anti-anxiety benefits of L-theanine are achieved through enhanced alpha brain wave activity and increased synthesis of the brain’s principle inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA. Increased levels of GABA affect other brain neurotransmitter levels resulting … Continue reading

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Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) is an effective treatment of generalized anxiety

In traditional Polynesian cultures Kava is used for ceremonial purposes and as an inebriant. In contrast to prescription sedative-hypnotic medications (e.g. lorazepam and diazepam), when Kava is taken at recommended doses (typically between 60 and 300mg/day) patients do not experience … Continue reading

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Complementary and alternative treatments of anxiety

Many studies have been done on complementary and alternative treatments of generalized anxiety and much less research has been done on non-conventional treatments of panic attacks, phobias, obsessions and compulsions. Kava-kava and L-theanine are non-pharmacologic treatments of generalized anxiety supported … Continue reading

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Limitations of medications for treating anxiety

Conventional treatments anxiety in Western culture include a specialized kind of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive psychotherapy, and medications. Studies have confirmed that certain medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g. lorazepam, clonazepam and others) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are … Continue reading

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Safety concerns over conventional pharmacologic treatments of ADHD

Stimulant medications, behavioral modification and psychosocial support are widely used conventional treatments of childhood ADHD in Western countries. Short-acting stimulants are the most frequently prescribed pharmacological treatments of ADHD however controlled release stimulants and the SSRI antidepressants are increasingly prescribed … Continue reading

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Important considerations when thinking about how to treat your or your child’s symptoms of ADHD

You may have found this blog because you are searching for information on how to think about the various treatment choices for a child who has ADHD. Or perhaps you are struggling with ADHD yourself. Whichever your situation, the treatment … Continue reading

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Integrative approaches to ADHD—toward a reasonable middle ground between medications and alternative therapies

The most effective and appropriate pharmacologic, behavioral and alternative treatments of ADHD depends on the particular symptoms that are being addressed, how severe they are, and each unique history in terms of how well or not they responded to previous … Continue reading

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EEG biofeedback is beneficial for both hyperactivity and inattention

Research findings suggest that children diagnosed with ADHD have abnormal brain electrical activity that may result in symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity. EEG biofeedback—also called neurofeedback—is a specialized kind of biofeedback that uses computers and advanced brain wave analysis to … Continue reading

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