Complementary Medicine, Exercise, Meditation, Diet, and Lifestyle Modification for Anxiety Disorders: A Review of Current Evidence

Summary & key facts

This 2012 review looked at studies of complementary medicines and lifestyle changes for anxiety disorders. The authors found evidence that the herbal medicine kava can help. They also found strong support for moderate exercise and mindfulness meditation. Other treatments — like acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi — have some positive studies but the research quality is often poor. Homeopathy did not show support. Dietary change and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine showed early, encouraging results. The overall evidence is mixed and many studies had methodological problems.

Key facts:

• The review searched major databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane) in early 2012 for studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on anxiety.
• The herbal medicine kava had current support in the review for treating generalized anxiety or specific anxiety disorders.
• One isolated study reported benefit for naturopathic medicine for anxiety.
• Acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi had tentative supportive evidence, but this was limited by overall poor study methods and quality.
• Homeopathy was not supported by the breadth of evidence reviewed for treating anxiety.
• The review states there is strong support for lifestyle changes, specifically adopting moderate exercise and practicing mindfulness meditation for anxiety.
• Dietary improvement and avoidance of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine showed encouraging preliminary data, but these findings were described as early and not definitive.

Abstract

Use of complementary medicines and therapies (CAM) and modification of lifestyle factors such as physical activity, exercise, and diet are being increasingly considered as potential therapeutic options for anxiety disorders. The objective of this metareview was to examine evidence across a broad range of CAM and lifestyle interventions in the treatment of anxiety disorders. In early 2012 we conducted a literature search of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library, for key studies, systematic reviews, and metaanalyses in the area. Our paper found that in respect to treatment of generalized anxiety or specific disorders, CAM evidence revealed current support for the herbal medicine Kava. One isolated study shows benefit for naturopathic medicine, whereas acupuncture, yoga, and Tai chi have tentative supportive evidence, which is hampered by overall poor methodology. The breadth of evidence does not support homeopathy for treating anxiety. Strong support exists for lifestyle modifications including adoption of moderate exercise and mindfulness meditation, whereas dietary improvement, avoidance of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine offer encouraging preliminary data. In conclusion, certain lifestyle modifications and some CAMs may provide a beneficial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Topics

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies Medicinal Plant Extracts Effects Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies

Categories

Complementary and alternative medicine Health Sciences Medicine

Tags

Acupuncture Alternative medicine Anxiety CINAHL Clinical psychology Cochrane Library Complementary medicine Law Medicine Meditation MEDLINE Mindfulness Naturopathy Pathology Philosophy Political science Psychiatry Psychological intervention PsycINFO Theology

Substances

Other

Conditions & symptoms

Anxiety Anxiety or worry