Click To View Products

Anxiety can occur independently or in conjunction with other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as depression, phobias, chronic fatigue, cardiac disease, or respiratory compromise. Moreover, chronic anxiety is associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, cardiac ischemia, and arrhythmias, and it predisposes people to a range of other disorders (Muller JE et al 2005; Weissman MM et al 1990; Coryell W 1986, 1988). People with severe anxiety disorders who experience adverse life events such as divorce or financial disaster may be at increased risk of suicidal behavior (Allgulander C et al 1991).

Typically, anxiety disorders are treated with an array of psychoactive medications that alter or increase levels of neurotransmitters. Unfortunately, these medications also carry sometimes significant side effects, including the risk of dependency. A number of nutrients have been identified that act along pathways similar to those of prescription medications or have a general antianxiety effect. In addition, Life Extension has uncovered exciting new research that may alter the way medical science one day looks at anxiety disorders. Elevated homocysteine, which has been implicated in heart disease and depression, may also play a role in anxiety disorders. Also, abnormal hormone levels may exacerbate anxiety disorders. On the basis of the newest research, Life Extension believes that people suffering from anxiety disorders should test for elevated homocysteine and abnormal hormone levels and correct these if necessary.

Generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder affects about 4 million adult Americans and is characterized by chronic, excessive worry and tension (Narrow WE et al 2002; Wittchen HU 2002; Wittchen HU et al 1994). Other symptoms may include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. A diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is confirmed when an individual experiences excessive worrying about everyday problems and three or more of the above symptoms more days than not for at least six consecutive months (American Psychiatric Association 2000).

Panic disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of intense fear that appear often without warning and with varying frequency. Panic disorder afflicts about 2.8 million Americans, and its prevalence appears to have been increasing since 1980 (Goodwin RD 2003; Narrow WE et al 2002). Symptoms may include palpitations, accelerated heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feeling of choking, chest pain, nausea or abdominal distress, dizziness, feelings of unreality, fear of losing control or dying, and chills or hot flashes. A panic disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and at least one of the attacks has been followed by one or more of the following: persistent concern about future attacks, worry about the implications of the attack, and a significant change in behavior related to the attacks (American Psychiatric Association 2000).