Anxiety Workup Lab Panel
Blood tests Dr. Amen recommends to check before going on anxiety medication: rule out hypoglycemia, anemia, and hyperthyroidism, plus omega-3 index.
Assembled by Cited from Daniel Amen's recorded recommendations across multiple sources. It is not an ordered program and was not created or endorsed by them — it's our grouping of what they've said on the record.
Components
5-
In a protocol
Test for hypoglycemia with a glucose tolerance test when evaluating anxiety.
“check for hypoglycemia... glucose tolerance test
CY▶ 26:10CertaintyexplicitrecommendationCheck for hypoglycemia -
In a protocol
Check ferritin (iron storage) — low iron causes insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue.
“check your ferritin levels. It's a measure of iron storage
CY▶ 26:20CertaintyexplicitrecommendationCheck ferritin for anemia -
In a protocol
Check thyroid function as part of anxiety workup (rule out hyperthyroidism).
“check your thyroid
CY▶ 26:30CertaintyexplicitrecommendationCheck thyroid for hyperthyroidism -
In a protocol
Check/correct B12 — low levels contribute to anxiety and depression.
“If B12 is low, you're going to have problems with anxiety and depression
CY▶ 25:25CertaintyexplicitrecommendationCheck B12 -
In a protocol
Check your omega-3 index as part of anxiety/mental health workup.
“Also check your omega-3 index
CY▶ 27:50CertaintyexplicitrecommendationCheck omega-3 index