Botanical anxiolytics, antidepressants, and hypnotics

Jerome Sarris

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

Abstract

The treatment of mood and anxiety disorders with botanical medicine goes back to antiquity, with various cultures applying energetic models such as humoral medicine or traditional Chinese medicine models to prescribe a range of plant-based medicines. Until recently, understanding of depression and anxiety was rudimentary, with such conditions classified broadly as "melancholia" or "hysteria." In present times, use of herbal medicine and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is prevalent among sufferers of mood and anxiety disorders. Data from a nationally representative sample of 2055 people interviewed during 1997-1998 revealed that 57% of those with anxiety attacks and 54% of those with severe depression reported using CAM therapies during the previous 12 months to treat their disorder. Twenty percent of the sample with anxiety and 19% of those with severe depression visited a CAM practitioner for treatment during the year.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition
EditorsCon Stough, Andrew Scholey
Place of PublicationU.S.
PublisherCRC Press
Pages289-308
Number of pages20
ISBN (Electronic)9781439893623
ISBN (Print)9781439893609
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Keywords

  • alternative medicine
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • herbs
  • hypnotics
  • therapeutic use
  • tranquilizing drugs

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