@article{ref1,
title="Clinical applications of herbal medicines for anxiety and insomnia; targeting patients with bipolar disorder",
journal="Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry",
year="2014",
author="Baek, Ji Hyun and Nierenberg, Andrew A. and Kinrys, Gustavo",
volume="48",
number="8",
pages="705-715",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: Patients with bipolar disorder frequently continue to experience residual anxiety and insomnia between mood episodes. In real-world practice, patients increasingly self-prescribe alternative medicines. <br><br>METHODS: We reviewed case reports, open-label, and placebo-controlled trials investigating the use of herbal medicines to treat anxiety and insomnia, and discussed their potential applications for bipolar disorder. <br><br>RESULTS: Eleven herbal medicines that have been studied in human subjects are included in this review. Mechanisms of action, efficacy, side effects, and drug-drug interactions are discussed. Based on currently available evidence, valerian seems to be the most promising candidate for insomnia and anxiety in bipolar disorder. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive herbal medicines may have the potential to alleviate these symptoms and improve the outcomes of standard treatment, despite limited evidence. Physicians need to have a more in-depth understanding of the evidence of benefits, risks, and drug interactions of alternative treatments.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0004-8674",
doi="10.1177/0004867414539198",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0004867414539198"
}