- With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
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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 served on 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, pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine. He served as medical director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence from 1986 to 1999, and is currently involved in translational medicine research involving the introduction of pharmacogenetic technology into the daily practice of community psychiatry.
"With the advent of pharmacogenetics and related fields and the advances in translational 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, passionflower, valerian and theanine.
Kava appears to reduce anxiety, but more studies are needed to make sure that it's safe.
Several countries have banned the sale of kava based on reports of liver damage. The Food and Drug Administration issued warnings about kava in 2002, but hasn't banned the sale of kava in the United States. In people without underlying liver problems, kava seems to be safe for up to six months, when taken at the recommended dosages. However, more studies are needed to be certain of kava's possible potential side effects.
Passionflower, valerian and theanine also may reduce anxiety, but they probably don't work as well as kava. These herbs appear to be safe, with few reported side effects. As with kava, more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits of these herbal supplements.
If you're considering taking any herbal supplement as a treatment for anxiety, talk to your doctor first. If you have liver problems or you take other medications, it's especially important that you talk to your doctor before you try kava.
Make an appointment to see your doctor if your anxiety is interfering with daily activities. More serious forms of anxiety generally need medical treatment or psychological counseling (psychotherapy) for symptoms to improve.
Next questionDepression and anxiety: Can I have both?
- van der Watt G, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2008;21:37.
- Natural medicines in the clinical management of anxiety. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
- Pittler MH, et al. Kava extract versus placebo for treating anxiety. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2002:CD003383.
- Kava (Piper methysticum). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm154577.htm. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
- Teschke R, et al. Kava hepatotoxicity: Regulatory data selection and causality assessment. Digestive and Liver Disease. 2009;41:891.
- Bauer BA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan 14, 2010.
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