The truth of the matter is that for many people who are experiencing one of the common anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic, social and specific phobias, OCD, PTSD), traditional "medical" treatment approaches may not be the best or most effective solution to their condition. There are many alternative methods for treating anxiety disorder that often times get overlooked.
For instance, research studies have demonstrated that in many cases treating anxiety disorders through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) yields success rates equal to or even better than prescription medications, without the side effects associated with anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Panic disorder, phobias and OCD are particularly receptive to the conscious reconditioning techniques involved in CBT.
Catnip Plants
General anxiety disorder is unfortunately somewhat less treatable with CBT, since it is less focused on particular triggers or situations that can be consciously re-directed or desensitized. So people with GAD who want to avoid prescription medications may be particularly interested in exploring some of the alternative or natural methods that have been tested or recommended for anxiety.
Natural treatments for anxiety fall into take three main groups-mind/body work, stress-reduction or relaxation techniques, and herbal and nutritional remedies.
The physical manipulation of massage therapy and shiatsu can ease anxiety symptoms by reducing muscular tension, thereby alleviating stress and improving sleep. Breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga and tai chi operate synergistically on both body and mind to reduce stress and are frequently recommended for anxiety. Self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback also combine mental and physical interactions to control or reduce anxiety symptoms.
Many herbs also have significant anti-anxiety effects. It's important to note that many of these herbal remedies should not be combined with prescription drugs or with other central nervous system depressants including alcohol and barbiturates.
Kava (or kava kava): Recent research using a water-soluble kava extract found that "As measured by standardized anxiety and depression questionnaires, the participants reported much less anxiety when they were taking the kava than when they took placebo pills...the evidence supports the use of this [formulation] for short periods for acute anxiety and stress." Long-term use is more questionable, however, since kava formulations using the whole kava plant, instead of just the root, or using acetone and ethanol to extract the active ingredient from the plant instead of water have been found to harm the liver, and it's not yet tested whether the water-soluble extracts are free of this risk.
Valerian: Valeriana officinalis has been tested in clinical trials and shown to relieve anxiety rapidly, often in less than an hour. Valerian is a sedative and muscle relaxant sometimes recommended for insomnia, though some people actually experience an opposite reaction, find that Valerian stimulates them instead of relaxing them.
Green tea/theanine: The amino acid L-theanine contained in green tea reportedly "stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to what is achieved through meditation. Second, L-theanine is involved in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA influences the levels of two other neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, producing the key relaxation effect." Since the amount of L-theanine contained in green tea is actually relatively low, separate theanine dietary supplements may be more effective than green tea.
Some other herbs that have been found to have at least some anti-anxiety effects include California poppy, hops (approved in Germany for the use of anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disorders), passionflower, lemon balm (sedates and relieves tension headaches), lavender, chamomile (soothes digestion as well), and catnip.
Many people who are troubled by nagging anxieties may be able gain control of their symptoms without drugs through some or all of these alternative treatment methods. Customize your own natural holistic treatment approach by trying them and combining the ones that you find most helpful-perhaps starting with some changes in your diet and nutrition, making some lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, trying some herbal medicines and also psychological counseling or therapy to learn some of the more demanding relaxation and biofeedback techniques.
Natural Methods For Treating Anxiety Disorder