TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - Clinical applications of herbal medicines for anxiety and insomnia; targeting patients with bipolar disorder
JO  - Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
A1  - Baek, Ji Hyun
A1  - Nierenberg, Andrew A.
A1  - Kinrys, Gustavo
SP  - 705
EP  - 715
VL  - 48
IS  - 8
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 0004-8674
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0004867414539198
ID  - ref1
ER  -