A Guide To What Works For Anxiety Disorders - Mental Health First Aid

OCDThere has been one study comparing mindfulness meditation withKundalini Yoga. No difference was found between the groups. However,this study did not have a comparison group receiving no treatment.Other anxiety disordersThere is no evidence on whether meditation works for PTSD orSpecific Phobias.ARE THERE ANY RISKS?In rare cases, meditation can bring on a psychotic state. Caution isneeded in people who have had a psychotic disorder.RECOMMENDATIONThere is not enough good evidence to say whether or notmeditation works.Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)Our ratingOur ratingGAD? Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia ?PTSD and ASD? Specific Phobias ?Social Phobia? OCD ?WHAT IS IT?Omega-3 fatty acids are types of polyunsaturated fats. The two maintypes are eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA).EPA and DHA are found in fish oil or can be made in the body fromthe oil found in foods like flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil. Omega-3supplements containing EPA and DHA are available from health foodshops and pharmacies.HOW IS IT MEANT TO WORK?This is not known. One possibility is that omega-3 affect the outer wallof brain cells, making it easier to send messages between and withinbrain cells.DOES IT WORK?OCDOne small study has compared omega-3 with a placebo (paraffinoil) in people who were also taking antidepressants. No difference inimprovement was found.Other anxiety disordersThere is no evidence on whether omega-3 fatty acids work for GAD,PTSD, Social Phobia, Panic Disorder or Specific Phobias.ARE THERE ANY RISKS?There are no known risks.RECOMMENDATIONThere is not enough evidence to say whether omega-3 works.52