Citation

Baek JH, Nierenberg AA, Kinrys G. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Psychiatry 2014; 48(8): 705-715.

Affiliation

Bipolar Clinic and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0004867414539198

PMID

24947278

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.

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.

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.

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.

Language: en