Why Complementary and Alternative Practice is Needed for Anxiety

When searching for ways to alleviate anxiety, therapy and medication are the most effective recommended evidence-based treatments. The most common pharmacological treatments for anxiety disorders are tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [3]. Research suggests that only 60-85% of patients with anxiety disorders have only a 50% improvement with current medication and psychotherapy treatments on the market [3]. The most common therapeutic treatment for anxiety is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and only 50% of patients with anxiety disorders benefit from this type of therapy [5].

According to the Household Pulse Survey conducted by the CDC in May 2022, 11.5% of Americans needed therapy from a mental health professional in the last four weeks but did not get the help they needed [1]. According to the most recent survey from March 5, 2024 to April 1, 2024, 60 million Americans experienced anxiety symptoms (17.5% of the United States) [2]. Of these individuals with anxiety, the highest prevalence was determined in individuals who were 18-29 years old (31.5%), 30-39 years old (22.5%), female (20.2%), and living in Montana (21.5%) [2]. 

 Therefore, complementary and alternative options are needed to help Americans who suffer from anxiety but cannot get the help they need.

25 Research-Based Complementary and Alternative Ways to Manage Anxiety:

Some research suggests strong evidence in support for complementary and alternative practices for treatment of anxiety disorders [4]. However, more research is needed to determine how efficacious these alternative treatments are for managing anxiety. We recommend trying therapy before pursuing complementary or alternative practices. However, if you decide not to pursue therapy or medication or you need help in between therapy sessions, these complementary and alternative treatments may help manage your anxiety! 

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References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/mental-health-care.htm
2. Center for Health Statistics. (2024, March 21). Mental health - household pulse survey - covid-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/mental-health.htm
3. Garakani, A., Murrough, J. W., Freire, R. C., Thom, R. P., Larkin, K., Buono, F. D., & Iosifescu, D. V. (2020). Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging Treatment Options. Frontiers in psychiatry, 11, 595584. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.595584
4. Sarris, J., Moylan, S., Camfield, D. A., Pase, M. P., Mischoulon, D., Berk, M., ... & Schweitzer, I. (2012). Complementary medicine, exercise, meditation, diet, and lifestyle modification for anxiety disorders: a review of current evidence. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/809653
5. Nielsen, S. K. K., Hageman, I., Petersen, A., Daniel, S. I. F., Lau, M., Winding, C., ... & Vangkilde, S. (2019). Do emotion regulation, attentional control, and attachment style predict response to cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders?–an investigation in clinical settings. Psychotherapy Research, 29(8), 999-1009. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2018.1425933