Mind–Body Treatments for Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

Over the last few decades, mind–body interventions, including mindfulness meditation, yoga, massage therapy, and tai-chi, have been studied as alternative treatment to conventional pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy approaches for anxiety disorders. Patients who are unable to access treatment or unwilling to engage in psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy may benefit from such alternative approaches. However, despite their availability in the community, lower cost, and good acceptability, the evidence supporting their efficacy in reducing psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, have been mixed to date. This chapter aims to review the literature on the use of mind–body approaches for the treatment of anxiety disorders.