ST. LOUIS—The majority of “natural” botanical treatments for addressing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) do not have sufficient evidence supporting their efficacy for practitioners to recommend them to patients, according to a broad-based review out of St. Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine (J Fam Pract. 2010 Mar;59(3):148-54). In her review, Kimberly Zoberi, M.D., associate professor of family and community medicine, said she found insufficient evidence supporting the use of St. John’s wort, kava extract or valerian to treat GAD.
Instead, she noted most health care providers recommend selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are generally safe but can have adverse effects on digestive or sexual function; anticonvulsant drugs are another pharma option, although they are quite expensive compared to other treatments. Ultimately, instead of looking at botanical options, Zoberi said, “If a patient wishes to avoid drug therapy, her doctor can suggest alternatives such as cognitive behavioral therapy.”