Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most common anxiety disorders, affecting around 6.8 million American adults, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. While this disorder is typically treated with cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and, in some cases, anti-anxiety medications. People who wish to avoid the negative side effects of medication often turn to alternative treatments, such as herbs. Some people experience a reduction in anxiety levels through the use of specific herbal remedies, such as passionflower extract.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Facts
Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is characterized by excessive worry and tension, often with no easily identifiable cause for concern. While anxiety causes a cycle of worry and tension, the same cycle perpetuates feelings of anxiety. Like many mental-health disorders, researchers aren't entirely sure what causes generalized anxiety disorder, although chemical, biological and social factors are usually contributing factors. Medication may be prescribed to alleviate some of the symptoms, although medication is not a cure. Additionally, certain anti-anxiety medications can cause significant side effects, such as sedation, sleepiness or grogginess, dizziness, lightheadedness and, in some cases, increased levels of hostility and rage, according to nonprofit health information resource Help Guide. The fear of unpleasant side effects combined with the desire for a natural, non-pharmacological remedy causes some people to turn to alternative or holistic treatments, such as herbal medicine.
About Passionflower Extract
Passionflower extract is produced from the passionflower plant. The term single extract is used to refer to a tincture made of the herb mixed with alcohol and water. According to National Institutes of Health website Medline Plus, passionflower extract is often used to treat insomnia and anxiety, often being as effective as prescription medications. While it's not entirely clear how passionflower reduces anxiety, certain chemicals in the plant are believed to have a sedative, calming and sleep-inducing effect.
Clinical Evidence
A 2001 clinical study published in the "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics" researched the effects of passionflower extract on patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. Study participants were separated into two groups -- one group received 45 drops of passionflower extract per day plus a placebo pill, while the other group received the anxiety medication oxazepam plus placebo drops. Interestingly, both groups experienced a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, but the group taking oxazepam experienced impaired job performance. The group receiving passionflower extract did not experience job-related impairments. The results of this study suggest that passionflower extract may be a beneficial treatment for those wishing to avoid undesirable side effects associated with prescription anti-anxiety drugs.
Warning
You should not use passionflower extract if you are pregnant or nursing. Additionally, taking large quantities of passionflower may cause unwanted side effects. Consult your doctor before using any herbal remedy. Do not stop taking any prescription medications unless directed to do so by your physician.
References
- Anxiety Disorders Association of America: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Help Guide: Anxiety Medications: What You Need to Know About Anti-Anxiety Drugs
- Medline Plus: Passionflower
- "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics"; Passionflower in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety: A Pilot Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial with Oxazepam; S. Akhondzadeh, Ph.D. et al.; October 2001
