Panic disorder is a real illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 6 million American adults are affected by panic disorder. Treatment usually focuses on psychotropic medication and psychotherapy, although in recent years, nutritional supplements like inositol have gained attention for their potential benefits.
About Panic Attacks
Panic disorder is characterized by the presence of panic attacks. Panic attacks are frightening episodes of a combination of physical and mental symptoms that can make you feel as though your life is in danger. Symptoms include feeling nauseous, irritable, shaky, experiencing tingling sensations in your extremities, chest pain, heart palpitations or feeling like you're being suffocated. People who have experienced panic attacks live in fear of the next one, as they often occur without warning or for any discernible reason. Exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are often effective for treating panic disorder. Medications are used to treat panic disorder symptoms, but they do not cure the underlying problem.
Inositol Facts
Inositol has been studied for its potential benefits for panic attacks and other mental health problems in the last several years. It is a naturally occurring chemical that is part of the B-vitamin family and is sometimes referred to as vitamin B-8. According to Tufts Medical Center, inositol plays an important role in liver, muscle and nerve functioning. In its dietary form, inositol is converted from phytic acid through a bacterial process in your digestive tract. Phytic acid is naturally present in foods such as citrus fruits, whole grains, cantaloupe and seeds, among other sources.
Clinical Evidence
Inositol supplementation may be beneficial for patients who wish to avoid the unpleasant side effects of certain medications. Two clinical studies support the use of inositol supplementation for panic disorder. The first study, published in the July 1995 issue of the "American Journal of Psychiatry," found that inositol supplementation, as opposed to a placebo, produced a significant decline in the frequency and severity of panic attacks in patients suffering from panic disorder. Another interesting study, published in the 2001 "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology," compared the effects of inositol with those of the prescription medication fluvoxamine on patients with panic disorder. The findings showed that inositol produced a higher reduction in the frequency in the number of weekly panic attacks than fluvoxamine. In both studies, patients experienced little or no side effects from treatment with inositol.
Considerations
According to Tufts Medical Center, there are no serious side effects associated with inositol, even at large doses. If you are considering taking inositol, consult your doctor, especially if you are taking prescription medication for panic disorder. Never stop taking prescribed medications unless directed to do so by your doctor. While inositol is considered safe, you should always purchase supplements from a reputable supplier to avoid possible contaminants.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Panic Disorder
- Tufts Medical Center: Inositol
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Crossover Trial of Inositol Treatment for Panic Disorder; J. Benjamin et al; July 1995
- "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology": Double-Blind, Controlled, Crossover Trial of Inositol Versus Fluvoxamine for the Treatment of Panic Disorder; A. Palatnik, MD et al; June 2001
