From the Guidelines
There is no strong clinical evidence to support the use of NAD+ infusion for anxiety reduction, and established treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychosocial interventions should be prioritized. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2023 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology 1, recommends individual or group therapy with options like CBT, behavioral activation (BA), structured physical activity, and psychosocial interventions for managing anxiety symptoms. These recommendations are based on intermediate-quality evidence and have a strong strength of recommendation.
When considering treatment options for anxiety, it's essential to focus on evidence-based approaches that have been proven to reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life. While NAD+ infusions may be offered by some clinics for anxiety, the current scientific research backing these claims is insufficient, and potential side effects such as flushing, chest tightness, headache, and discomfort at the infusion site should be considered.
Key points to consider for anxiety management include:
- Established treatments with strong evidence, such as CBT and psychosocial interventions, should be the primary approach
- Lifestyle modifications, including structured physical activity and exercise, can also play a crucial role in managing anxiety symptoms
- Any complementary or experimental treatments, including NAD+ therapy, should be pursued under medical supervision and with a clear understanding of the limited evidence supporting their use.
From the Research
Clinical Backing for NAD+ Infusion in Anxiety Reduction
- There is no direct clinical evidence provided to support the use of NAD+ infusion for anxiety reduction.
- The available studies focus on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and its effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms, as seen in studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- These studies suggest that MBSR is a viable option for treating anxiety disorders, with comparable effectiveness to first-line medications like escitalopram 2, 3.
- MBSR has been shown to decrease anxiety, depression, and distress, while improving quality of life in both clinical and nonclinical populations 4, 5, 6.
- However, there is no mention of NAD+ infusion as a treatment for anxiety reduction in the provided studies.