Anxiety: Most Effective Supplements

Anxiety is a natural response of the body to stressful or threatening situations. It acts as a protection mechanism, allowing us to heighten our vigilance and prepare a reaction to danger. However, when this mechanism becomes chronic and disproportionate, anxiety can negatively affect the quality of life, turning ordinary moments into a source of tension.

When Anxiety Becomes Pathological

It is important to distinguish between "normal" anxiety and pathological anxiety. If occasional anxiety disappears once the stress is removed, pathological anxiety persists and manifests as a feeling of worry or fear often difficult to identify. It can lead to avoidance behaviors, compulsive rituals, or even alter social and professional relationships. Anxiety disorders include: panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Symptoms of Anxiety

The manifestations of anxiety vary and affect several aspects of daily life: 2 Psychological: Panic, apprehension, irrational fear. 42 Physical: Palpitations, tachycardia, dizziness, tremors, excessive sweating, knot in the stomach. 42 Behavioral: Agitation, nervousness, avoidance of certain situations, desire to flee, establishment of rituals to reduce fear. Anxiety measurement scales, such as the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), are frequently used to objectify anxiety levels. These tools allow for tracking symptom evolution and adjusting treatments. The imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin, dopamine, and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), is often involved in anxiety disorders, as they play a key role in mood and emotion regulation.

Treatments and Management

Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT)CBTs are the reference method for treating anxiety. They help patients identify and restructure negative thoughts while adopting more adaptive behaviors. By learning to control the triggers of anxiety, patients develop strategies to reduce their impact.Medical ApproachesCommonly prescribed medications include: 42 Antidepressants: Particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 42 Benzodiazepines: Often used for short-term treatment due to their risk of dependence. 42 Beta-blockers: Used to treat some physical symptoms, such as palpitations or trembling. However, these medications can lead to undesirable side effects such as drowsiness, cognitive disturbances, or even dependency.

Natural Treatments

Faced with the side effects of medical treatments, many patients turn to natural solutions. These are supported by studies showing their efficacy and safety when used correctly: 42 Magnesium: Plays a key role in regulating the nervous system and reducing stress. Studies have shown that magnesium intake can alleviate mild anxiety symptoms. 42 Lithium (in micro-doses): This trace element is used to stabilize mood and reduce agitation in early anxiety cases. 42 Passionflower: Known for its mild sedative effects, it is frequently used in anxiety disorders. 42 Valerian: Used for centuries, this plant is known for its calming properties and its beneficial action on sleep. 42 St. John's Wort: Highly effective against mild to moderate depression, it can also help in anxiety disorders, although its interaction with certain medications must be monitored. 42 Kava: Although effective for anxiety, this plant should be used cautiously due to its potential effects on the liver. 42 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan): A precursor to serotonin, it can improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.