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Double-blind placebo controlled trial of the anxiolytic effects of a standardized Echinacea extract.
Haller, J, Krecsak, L, Zámbori, J
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2020;(3):660-668
Abstract
Earlier studies suggested that specific Echinacea preparations might decrease anxiety. To further study the issue, we performed a double blind, placebo controlled trial with a standardized Echinacea angustifolia root extract. Participants were volunteers scoring above 45 points on the state or on the trait subscale of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). They were treated with 40 mg Echinacea or with placebo tablets twice daily for 7 days followed by a 3 week-long washout period. Participants were also administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). In the Echinacea group, state anxiety scores decreased by approximately 11 points by the end of the treatment period, whereas the decrease was around 3-points in the placebo group (p< 0.01). The effect maintained over the washout period. The difference from placebo was significant from the 7th day of treatment throughout. Changes were less robust with trait anxiety scores, but the preparation performed better than placebo in patients with high baseline anxiety. Neither BDI nor PSS scores were affected by the treatments. Adverse effects were rare and mild, and all were observed in the placebo group. These findings suggest that particular Echinacea preparations have significant beneficial effects on anxiety in humans.
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2.
Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial.
Ross, S, Bossis, A, Guss, J, Agin-Liebes, G, Malone, T, Cohen, B, Mennenga, SE, Belser, A, Kalliontzi, K, Babb, J, et al
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England). 2016;(12):1165-1180
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically significant anxiety and depression are common in patients with cancer, and are associated with poor psychiatric and medical outcomes. Historical and recent research suggests a role for psilocybin to treat cancer-related anxiety and depression. METHODS In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 29 patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression were randomly assigned and received treatment with single-dose psilocybin (0.3 mg/kg) or niacin, both in conjunction with psychotherapy. The primary outcomes were anxiety and depression assessed between groups prior to the crossover at 7 weeks. RESULTS Prior to the crossover, psilocybin produced immediate, substantial, and sustained improvements in anxiety and depression and led to decreases in cancer-related demoralization and hopelessness, improved spiritual wellbeing, and increased quality of life. At the 6.5-month follow-up, psilocybin was associated with enduring anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects (approximately 60-80% of participants continued with clinically significant reductions in depression or anxiety), sustained benefits in existential distress and quality of life, as well as improved attitudes towards death. The psilocybin-induced mystical experience mediated the therapeutic effect of psilocybin on anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS In conjunction with psychotherapy, single moderate-dose psilocybin produced rapid, robust and enduring anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects in patients with cancer-related psychological distress. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00957359.
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Subchronic treatment with amino acid mixture of L-lysine and L-arginine modifies neuroendocrine activation during psychosocial stress in subjects with high trait anxiety.
Jezova, D, Makatsori, A, Smriga, M, Morinaga, Y, Duncko, R
Nutritional neuroscience. 2005;(3):155-60
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible modulatory effect of the treatment with L-lysine and L-arginine on neuroendocrine activation during psychosocial stress in healthy subjects with relatively high trait anxiety in a randomized, double blind placebo controlled trial. In 29 healthy subjects at the upper limit of the normal range of a trait anxiety scale, a mixture of L-lysine and L-arginine (3 g each/day) was administered for 10 days followed by exposure to a psychosocial stress procedure based on public speech. Hormone levels, cardiovascular activation and skin conductance were measured. Amino acid treatment resulted in enhanced adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline levels and galvanic skin responses during stress compared to those in placebo-treated group. Increases in the heart rate and blood pressure in response to public speaking task were not influenced by amino acid treatment. Results of the present study support the hypothesis that L-lysine in combination with L-arginine, which may induce anxiolytic effects, modify hormonal responses during psychosocial stress in humans. Such action may represent a normalization of hormone levels to the pattern observed previously in subjects with low trait anxiety.
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Effects of a metabotropic glutamate(2/3) receptor agonist (LY544344/LY354740) on panic anxiety induced by cholecystokinin tetrapeptide in healthy humans: preliminary results.
Kellner, M, Muhtz, C, Stark, K, Yassouridis, A, Arlt, J, Wiedemann, K
Psychopharmacology. 2005;(1):310-5
Abstract
RATIONALE Preclinical findings have repeatedly shown an anxiolytic-like action of agonists at metabotropic glutamate receptors type II, such as LY354740. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the effect of LY544344, the prodrug of LY354740, upon experimental panic anxiety in humans. METHODS Twelve healthy human volunteers were treated orally with 80 mg bid LY544344 for 1 week in a randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study before 50 mug cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) was injected intravenously. We assessed CCK-induced panic and anxiety symptoms and measured stress hormone release. RESULTS While no significant treatment effect emerged in the entire sample, a significant reduction of the number of CCK-4-induced panic symptoms and of CCK-4-induced subjective anxiety ratings was detected after removing two subjects who did not show decreased CCK-4-elicited adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) release after LY544344 compared to placebo treatment. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to clarify the potential of LY544344 as a new anxiolytic or antipanic drug.
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The effect of psychological and educational counselling in reducing anxiety in nursing students.
Sharif, F, Armitage, P
Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing. 2004;(4):386-92
Abstract
A quasi-experimental pre-, post-test, follow-up and control group design was used to investigate the effect of psychological and educational counselling in reducing anxiety in nursing students. The research study used methodological triangulation, involving the use of structured data collection techniques such as standardized questionnaires and semi-structured focus groups. Focus groups were used to provide greater insight regarding the student's opinions. The sample consisted of 100 second- and fourth-year baccalaureate nursing students from the Faculty of Nursing at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. They were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 50) or a control group (n = 50). The experimental group received a 12-week intervention programme. Quantitative analysis of data was undertaken using t-test and analysis of variance for repeated measures to test differences between and within groups. The results indicated that from pre- to post-test there was no statistically significant reduction in anxiety between groups, but there was a statistically significant reduction in anxiety after one semester (in the follow-up). Student self-esteem was increased significantly from pre- to post-test. This increase was statistically significant and remained the same in follow-up. A statistically significant difference was seen in the student grade point average from pre-test to follow-up in the experimental group but not for the control group. The implementation of an intervention programme reduced their anxiety, increased their self-esteem and improved their grade point average over time.
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Anxiolytic effects of acute tryptophan depletion in anorexia nervosa.
Kaye, WH, Barbarich, NC, Putnam, K, Gendall, KA, Fernstrom, J, Fernstrom, M, McConaha, CW, Kishore, A
The International journal of eating disorders. 2003;(3):257-67; discussion 268-70
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies have raised the question as to whether a dysregulation of the neurotransmitter serotonin may contribute to the alterations in mood seen in anorexia nervosa (AN). People with AN tend to be anxious, obsessional, perfectionistic, and harm avoidant. These traits are premorbid and persist after recovery. It has been suggested that increased activity of brain serotonin systems could contribute to this pathologic condition. Dieting in AN, which serves to reduce plasma levels of tryptophan (TRP), may serve to reduce symptoms of dysphoric mood. METHOD Fourteen women currently symptomatic with AN (ILL AN), 14 women recovered from AN (REC AN), and 15 healthy control women (CW) underwent acute tryptophan depletion (ATD). Measures of psychological state were self-assessed at baseline and hourly after ATD to determine whether ATD would reduce negative mood. RESULTS ILL AN and REC AN had significantly higher mean baseline TRP/LNAA (tryptophan/large neutral amino acids) ratios compared with CW. In contrast to placebo, the ATD challenge demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in the TRP/LNAA ratio for ILL AN (-95%) and REC AN (-84%) compared with CW (-70 %). Both the ILL AN and REC AN had a significant reduction in anxiety on the ATD day compared with the placebo day. DISCUSSION These data demonstrate that a dietary-induced reduction of TRP, the precursor of serotonin, is associated with decreased anxiety in people with AN. Restricting dietary intake may represent a mechanism through which individuals with AN modulate a dysphoric mood.
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Effect of negative air ions on computer operation, anxiety and salivary chromogranin A-like immunoreactivity.
Nakane, H, Asami, O, Yamada, Y, Ohira, H
International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology. 2002;(1):85-9
Abstract
The effects of negative air ions on computer operation were examined using a biochemical index of the activity of the sympathetic/adrenomedullary system (i.e. salivary chromogranin A-like immunoreactivity (CgA-like IR)) and a self-report questionnaire (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Anxiety State--STAI-S). Twelve female students carried out a word processing task for 40 min. The salivary CgA-like IR increased more than three times on the task, but the salivary cortisol did not change. The increase in the CgA-like IR level was attenuated by the exposure to negative air ions during the task. The exposure to the ions during the recovery period following the task was effective for rapidly decreasing the CgA-like IR level that had increased after the task. These effects by negative air ions were also observed using STAI-S. Task performance was slightly but significantly improved by the presence of negative air ions. These results suggest that negative air ions are effective for the reduction of and the prompt recovery from stress caused by computer operation.
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Evaluation of combining kava extract with hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of postmenopausal anxiety.
De Leo, V, la Marca, A, Morgante, G, Lanzetta, D, Florio, P, Petraglia, F
Maturitas. 2001;(2):185-8
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to evaluate the efficacy of combining kava extract with hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of menopausal anxiety. MATERIALS AND METHODS HAMA score was evaluated before and after therapy in four groups of women in menopause (duration of menopause ranged from 1 to 12 years). The groups were treated with hormone replacement therapy (with and without progestogens) and kava extract or placebo for 6 months. RESULTS A significant reduction in HAMA score was observed in all four groups of women. The reduction was more significant in groups taking kava extract than in groups on hormones only. DISCUSSION The combined use of hormone replacement therapy and kava extract seems to be effective against menopausal anxiety. Kava extract accelerates resolution of psychological symptoms while hormone therapy safeguards against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
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The effects of an oral multivitamin combination with calcium, magnesium, and zinc on psychological well-being in healthy young male volunteers: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Carroll, D, Ring, C, Suter, M, Willemsen, G
Psychopharmacology. 2000;(2):220-5
Abstract
RATIONALE Vitamin and mineral supplements may be associated with improved psychological status. OBJECTIVE The present study tested the effects of a multivitamin and mineral supplement (Berocca) on psychological well-being. METHODS In a double-blind randomised-control trial, 80 healthy male volunteers were assigned to either Berocca or placebo. Questionnaires measuring psychological state were completed and a blood sample taken to determine plasma zinc concentration on day 1 (pre-treatment) and again on day 28 (post-treatment), following 28 days of treatments, which were administered at a dosage of one tablet daily. At the end of the study, the acceptability of the treatment and participants' awareness of treatment condition were assessed, as was habitual dietary behaviour. RESULTS Relative to placebo, treatment with Berocca was associated with consistent and statistically significant reductions in anxiety and perceived stress. Participants in the Berocca group also tended to rate themselves as less tired and better able to concentrate following treatment. In addition, participants registered more somatic symptoms following placebo than following Berocca. These effects cannot be attributed to differences in the acceptability of the two treatments or to participants guessing what treatment they received. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that Berocca significantly reduces anxiety and perceived stress.
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10.
Stress and skin diseases in musicians: evaluation of the beck depression scale, general psychologic profile (the brief symptom inventory [BSI]), beck anxiety scale and stressful life events in musicians.
Onder, M, Cosar, B, Oztas, MO, Candansayar, S
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. 2000;(5):258-62
Abstract
We had previously investigated skin problems of musicians (N = 117) working in a professional orchestra. The results of this survey suggest a significant incidence of occupational and stress-related skin problems in musicians such as hyperhydrosis, lichen planus, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and urticaria. It was thought that emotional factors exacerbate their problems [6]. This article discusses the importance of psychiatric consultations in dermatologic problems.