Potential use of modulators of oxidative stress as add-on therapy in patients with anxiety disorders

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. 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. 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 adjunctive therapy of the traditional integrated psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approach.