Evidence supporting the use of: Inositol
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Inositol, particularly the myo-inositol isomer, has been investigated as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The scientific support for its use is modest but present. Several small randomized controlled trials from the late 1990s and early 2000s found that high-dose inositol (usually 12-18 grams per day) was more effective than placebo and in some cases comparable to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in reducing symptoms of panic disorder and OCD. For example, a double-blind, controlled study by Benjamin Levine et al. (1995) showed that inositol significantly reduced the frequency and severity of panic attacks compared to placebo. Another study (Fux et al., 1996) observed beneficial effects in OCD symptoms. The proposed mechanism involves inositol's role as a precursor in the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway, which is implicated in neurotransmitter systems (such as serotonin and dopamine) thought to underlie anxiety and mood regulation. However, most of these studies are small, short-term, and not widely replicated, with limited data on long-term efficacy and safety. Major clinical guidelines do not currently endorse inositol as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, but some practitioners may use it as an adjunct or alternative, especially for patients who do not tolerate standard medications. In summary, while there is some scientific evidence supporting inositol for anxiety, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are limited, justifying a moderate evidence rating.

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