- With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Dr. Daniel Hall-Flavin, board certified in general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, is a St. Louis native looking to the Internet as a way to help people improve their health and be more active participants in their own health care by learning from Mayo Clinic's experts.
Dr. Hall-Flavin has been a member of the faculties of Cornell University Medical College, New York Medical College, and The George Washington University Medical School before joining the Mayo Clinic staff in 1996. He has special interests in adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and psychogenomics. He has served as medical director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence from 1986 to 1999.
"With the advent of the genomics and proteomics revolution and the pace of advances in medicine, informed collaborative relationships between knowledgeable, capable health professionals and informed, proactive individuals and their families are more vital than ever," he said.
"I'm optimistic that our Internet health education activities will contribute to ever-improving health outcomes for all who participate and apply what is learned."
Complications (1)
- Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?
Treatments and drugs (1)
- Test anxiety: Can it be treated?
Lifestyle and home remedies (2)
- Coping with anxiety: Can diet make a difference?
- Herbal treatment for anxiety: Is it effective?
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Question
Herbal treatment for anxiety: Is it effective?
Is there an effective herbal treatment for anxiety?
Answer
from Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Several herbal remedies have been studied as a treatment for anxiety, including kava, passion flower, valerian and theanine.
The most popular herbal treatment for anxiety is kava. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of kava in reducing anxiety, with effects observed after as few as one to two doses. However, there is concern that kava may be harmful to the liver.
Multiple cases of liver damage — including hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver failure — associated with kava use have been reported in Europe. As a result, several countries have banned the sale of kava due to safety concerns. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings about kava but hasn't banned the sale of kava in the United States.
Some evidence suggests that passion flower, valerian and theanine also may reduce anxiety and are generally considered to be safe herbs, with few reported adverse side effects. However, more research is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these herbal supplements for such use.
If you are considering a trial of a dietary or herbal supplement as a treatment for mild anxiety, talk to your doctor first. Also, if your anxiety is interfering with daily activities, consider working with a mental health specialist as well.
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