Anxiety Disorders Treatment

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Conventional Medical Treatment

Psychiatric intervention is the conventional way to treat anxiety disorders. Usually this calls for a psychotherapist to work with the patient to uncover what is causing the anxiety. Anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Ativan, Xanax) or antidepressants (BuSpar, Buspirone) may also be prescribed.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

The focus here is on reducing stress, since that is what triggers anxiety attacks. To that end, avoid consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugar. Instead, eat small meals throughout the day emphasizing asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, dried fruits, green leafy vegetables, legumes, raw nuts and seeds, soy products, whole grains, and yogurt. These foods supply essential minerals normally depleted by stress.

Recent studies report on the benefits of DL-phenylalanine (DLPA) in treating anxiety disorders. DLPA is a supplement consisting of D-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanine, a combination more potent than taking either amino acid alone. Use only under the supervision of a health care provider. The following daily supplement suggestions will aid in relieving symptoms of anxiety:

Most Important

• calcium (2000 mg)-a natural tranquilizer
• magnesium (600 to1000 mg)-helps relieve anxiety, tension, and nervousness
• vitamin B complex (50 mg)-maintains normal nervous system function; supplemented with vitamin B1 (thiamine) (50 mg 3 times daily with food)-has a calming effect on the nerves; and vitamin B6 (50 mg 3 times daily with food)-energizes while it calms
• vitamin C (5000 to 10,000 mg in divided doses)-has a tranquilizing effect in large doses
• zinc (50 mg, not to exceed a total of 100 mg from all supplements)-calms the central nerovous system

Also Recommended

• DLPA (600 to1200 mg)-increases the brain’s production of endorphins, which helps relieve anxiety and stress (Do not take if you are pregnant, nursing, or suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, or phenylketonuria, or PKU. Discontinue use if no improvement is noticed within one week.)
• melatonin (start with 2 to 3 mg taken 2 hours or less before bedtime)-a natural sleep aid that should be taken only if your symptoms include insomnia
• pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) (50 mg 3 times daily)

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your health care provider regarding the duration of treatment.)