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Tag Archives: generalized anxiety
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback for Anxiety
Several mechanisms are involved Abnormal low heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with both medical and psychiatric disorders. HRV biofeedback is a recently developed technique that aims to modulate HRV in ways that have beneficial effects on mental and emotional functioning. The … Continue reading
Exercise Improves Anxiety and Reduces the Frequency of Panic Attacks
Psychological and physiological mechanisms are involved The relationship between physical activity and anxiety is multi-factorial. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the anxiety reducing benefits of regular exercise. Psychological theories include distraction, enhanced self-efficacy, mastery and psychological benefits of … Continue reading
Posted in Anxiety
Tagged exercise, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, physical activity
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The amino acid 5-HTP is a natural, safe and effective treatment of anxiety
The brain needs L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) to manufacture serotonin L-tryptophan and 5-HTP are widely used alternative treatments of generalized anxiety. Both amino acids are essential for manufacture of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a … Continue reading
Conventional Treatments of Anxiety: Benefits and Limitations
In this post I review the benefits and limitations of conventional treatments of anxiety disorders. Future posts in this series will discuss complementary and alternative approaches used to treat different anxiety disorders. Conventional treatments of anxiety Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive … Continue reading
Acupuncture in Mental Health Care: A Concise Review
Challenges in acupuncture research Acupuncture is widely used in Asian and Western countries to treat diverse mental health problems. Evaluating the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in depressed mood and other mental health problems poses many methodological challenges because of differences … Continue reading
Limitations of conventional psychiatric treatments of 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
Posted in Anxiety
Tagged alternative, anxiety, complementary, conventional, generalized anxiety, integrative, limitations, treatments
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QiGong and Tai-chi may reduce the severity of generalized anxiety and promote emotional well-being
Qigong and Tai-chi are ancient Chinese practices used for maintaining emotional well-being and promoting mind-body balance. A review of QiGong in mental health care identified five studies on QiGong in the treatment of anxiety but only one small uncontrolled study … Continue reading
Posted in Anxiety
Tagged alternative, anxiety, complementary, generalized anxiety, holistic, integrative, qigong, tai-chi, treatment, well-being
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Passion flower extract may reduce the severity of generalized anxiety
Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) contains an active ingredient called chrysin that has been demonstrated to bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. In one small study, Passion flower extract 45 drops/day and oxazepam (a benzodiazepine) were equally effective in reducing … Continue reading
Posted in Anxiety
Tagged alternative, anxiety, complementary, generalized anxiety, holistic, integrative, Passiflora incarnata, Passion flower, treatment
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Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture are beneficial for generalized anxiety
Acupuncture and acupressure are widely used to treat anxiety. Different acupuncture points are beneficial in generalized anxiety and panic attacks. A review of controlled studies and published case reports on acupuncture as a treatment of anxiety and depressed mood found … Continue reading
Posted in Anxiety
Tagged acupuncture, alternative, anxiety, complementary, electro-acupuncture, generalized anxiety, holistic, integrative, treatment
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Regular massage reduces the severity of chronic generalized anxiety
Massage is widely used to achieve feelings of deep relaxation and reduced anxiety. The subjective physical and psychological benefits of massage are difficult to quantify in controlled trials however anecdotal evidence, a long-standing history of the widespread use of massage … Continue reading
Posted in Anxiety
Tagged alternative, anxiety, complementary, generalized anxiety, holistic, integrative, massage, test-taking, therapy, treatment
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