Clinical Question: Which complement...

Clinical Question: Which complementary and alternative medicines are effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

Setting: Various (meta-analysis)

subject of attention Design: Systematic review

Synopsis: Investigators searched PubM PsychLit, and the Cochrane Registry of Controll Trials to review the effectiveness of complementary and alternative treatments in succession anxiety. Articles were included if they reported treatment of patients with an anxiety disorder. Independent studies were assessed for validity using standard criteria. Whether the search for, and evaluation of the articles was done independently through more than one person is unknown, and there was no discussion of possible publication bias.

remarkably limited, if any, evidence of effectiveness was fix for the following treatments: Bach flower natures berocca, ginger, gotu kola, homeopathy, lemongrass leaves, licorice, magnesium, passion flower, St John's wort, valerian, vitamin C aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, humor, prayer, yoga, caffeine reduction, nicotine avoidance, and a carbohydrate-rich/protein-poor diet. Limited evidence of effectiveness was base for inositol, acupuncture, massage (only in children), autogenic therapy, bibliotherapy, dance/movement therapy, exercise, meditation, music, and relaxation therapy. Kava and 5-hydroxyl-L-tryptophan were effective yet not recommended because of the risk of simple side effects (i.e., liver toxicity and eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome respectively).

Bottom Line: The majority of complementary and alternative medicines lack valid evidence of effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety disorders. a certain supporting evidence has been originate for inositol, acupuncture, massage (only in children), autogenic therapy, bibliotherapy, dance/movement therapy, exercise, meditation, music, and relaxation therapy. Many often met with herbal and homeopathy treatments lack any evidence of effectiveness. (Level of Evidence: 2a)

studious mood Reference: Jorm AF, et al. Effectiveness of complementary and self-help treatments for anxiety disorders. M J Aust October 4 2004;181(7 suppl):S29-S46

Used with permission from Slawson D Variable support for complementary and alternative medicine for anxiety disorders. Accessed online November 24 2004 at: http://www.InfoPOEMs.com.

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