According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 40 million people in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders. This means that more than 19.1% of her population suffers from anxiety.
Anxiety interferes with daily tasks and prevents us from working, socializing and even completing simple tasks like eating and showering. JAMA Psychiatry People who struggle with anxiety have been shown to benefit from mindfulness interventions.
What are the findings?
JAMA Psychiatry A total of 208 participants with anxiety disorders were included to assess their anxiety levels after an 8-week intervention. In a randomized trial, participants were placed in either a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) group or an SSRI group. The SSRI group was prescribed escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat anxiety.
The research team used a 7-point scale. 7 is very disturbing and 1 is normal. There was a moderate to mild reduction in anxiety levels in both groups after the 8-week trial. Initial scale scores for both groups were similar, 4.44 for the mindfulness group and 4.51 for the medication section .
Ultimately, the numbers for both groups dropped to an average of 3.09, indicating that mindfulness techniques were as effective as medication. This important study reveals that individuals can benefit from mindfulness interventions despite the severity of their anxiety.
What is Mindfulness Technique?
MBSR is a type of therapy that involves meditation designed to manage stress. It is often utilized to help with many mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and even chronic pain and cancer. Mindfulness Techniques (MBSR) focus on the moment and seem to be there to relax the mind and body.
In today’s busy society, we often spend so much time working, studying, worrying and planning for the future that we don’t get the time we need to unwind. Examples of mindfulness techniques include breathing, meditation, walking, and using all five senses to feel the world.
What is Anxiety Disorder?
It’s perfectly normal to feel a little apprehensive before going on stage to give a valedictorian speech or even get on a plane. But when that anxiety becomes too much to interfere with daily life, it can lead to uncomfortable situations.
Anxiety can cause physical and emotional symptoms such as sweating, shortness of breath, fatigue, and insomnia. It can also lead to irritability, fearfulness, or constant worry.
Anxiety disorders can be categorized into different groups, including social anxiety disorders, panic disorders, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and specific phobias. Individuals with anxiety disorders can get help by attending psychotherapy, obtaining prescription medications, and using mindfulness techniques.
