Yoga improves symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, a condition of chronic nervousness and worry, suggesting that the popular practice may be helpful in treating anxiety in some people. Led by researchers at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, a new study found that yoga was significantly more effective for generalized anxiety disorder than standard treatment for stress management, but ineffective as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the gold standard form of structured talk therapy that helps patients cope with negative stress. Think to identify for a better response to challenges.
“Generalized anxiety disorder is a common condition, but many are unwilling or unable to access evidence-based treatments,” said lead researcher Naomi M. Simon, MD, a professor in the department of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health. “Our findings show that yoga, which is safe, can improve symptoms in some people with this condition and be a valuable tool in an overall treatment plan.”
For the study, 226 men and women with generalized anxiety disorder were randomly assigned to three groups – either CBT, Kundalini yoga, or stress management, a standardized control technique.
After three months, both CBT and yoga were found to be significantly more effective for anxiety than stress management. Specifically, 54 percent of those who practiced yoga met the response criteria for significantly improved symptoms, compared with 33 percent in the stress-education group. Of those treated with CBT, 71 percent met these symptom improvement criteria.
However, after six months of follow-up, the CBT response remained significantly better than stress education (the control therapy), while yoga was no longer significantly better, suggesting that CBT may have more robust, longer-lasting anxiety-reducing effects.
Study details
The study included an evidence-based protocol for CBT treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, including psychoeducation, cognitive interventions (aimed at identifying and modifying maladaptive thoughts and worrying), and muscle relaxation techniques.
Kundalini yoga included physical poses, breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, yoga theory, and meditation/mindfulness.
The stress management educational control group received lectures on the physiological, psychological, and medical effects of stress, as well as the fearful effects of lifestyle behaviors, such as reducing alcohol and smoking, and the importance of exercise and a healthy diet. Homework consisted of listening to educational materials about stress, diet and lifestyle.
Each treatment was administered in groups of three to six participants, divided into weekly two-hour sessions over 12 weeks with 20 minutes of daily homework.
Can Yoga Help Treat Anxiety?
According to researchers, generalized anxiety disorder is a common, deteriorating and undertreated condition. While most people feel anxious from time to time, it is considered a condition when worrying becomes excessive and interferes with daily life. CBT is considered the gold standard first-line treatment. Medications, including antidepressants and sometimes benzodiazepines, may also be used. Still, not everyone is willing to take medication that can have adverse side effects, and there are challenges for many in accessing CBT, including the lack of access to trained therapists and long waiting lists.
“Many people are already seeking complementary and alternative interventions, including yoga, to treat anxiety,” says Dr. Simon. “This study suggests that there is significant value, at least in the short term, for people with generalized anxiety disorder to give yoga a try to see if it works for them. Yoga is well tolerated, easily accessible and has a number of health benefits.”
