Tag Archives: generalized anxiety

The amino acid 5-HTP may be as effective as medications for generalized anxiety

L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP) are amino acids widely used to treat generalized anxiety. Both amino acids are necessary for making serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has a central role in the regulation of mood and anxiety. More studies have been done … Continue reading

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Very weak electrical current is an effective treatment of generalized anxiety

Very weak electrical current known as micro-current electrical stimulation or cranio-electrotherapy stimulation has been established as an effective treatment of generalized anxiety. A meta-analysis of studies comparing this approach with a sham treatment (ie, electrodes attached to the head but … Continue reading

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Virtual Reality Graded Exposure Therapy (VRGET) is an effective treatment of specific phobias, generalized anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia

Many studies confirm that VRGET (also called experiential cognitive therapy or “ECT” in European countries) is more effective than conventional imaginal exposure therapy that uses mental imagery to provoke a feared object or situation. The effectiveness of VRGET is comparable … Continue reading

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Meditation and mindfulness training reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety

Meditation practices are widely employed to reduce anxiety and to maintain optimal psychological and spiritual health. Meditation has been extensively studied as a treatment of anxiety. Beneficial physiological effects of meditation include decreased oxygen consumption, respiratory rate and blood pressure, … Continue reading

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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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