Title:Potential Use of Modulators of Oxidative Stress as Add-on Therapy in Patients with Anxiety Disorders
Volume: 19
Issue: 6
Author(s): Paolo Boldrini*, Antonella Fusco, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Aldo Badiani and Luciano Saso
Affiliation:
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology ,Italy
Keywords:
Oxidative stress modulators, anxiety disorders, anxiety models, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species,
lipid peroxidation.
Abstract: Background: It is known that an increased oxidative stress is present in a wide range of
diseases and, given the vulnerability of the central nervous system, its involvement has been in particular
investigated in neurological and psychiatric diseases, including anxiety disorders.
Objective: In this review, we analyse the studies that have been conducted on the effects of oxidative
stress modulators in anxiety, focusing on their possible clinical use.
Discussion and Conclusion: While preclinical studies have shown a clear anxiolytic-like effect of
different oxidative stress modulators, less significant results have been obtained from clinical studies.
After having reviewed the possible reasons for the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical data,
we encourage further studies aimed at better investigating the utility of the modulation of oxidative
stress in humans, as an adjunctive therapy of the traditional integrated psychotherapeutic and pharmacological
approach.
