Patients with anxiety disorders are often curious about various treatment approaches for anxiety; one such modality focuses on relaxation techniques. A new study titled âRelaxation training for anxiety: a ten-year systematic review with meta-analysis,â published in the BMC Psychiatry 2008, 8:41, examines this important issue. The investigators analyzed the results of 27 relaxation training efficacy studies, all published between 1997 and 2007. The results were impressive; ârelaxation training showed a medium-large effect size in the treatment of anxiety.â The researchers found the most effective types of relaxation included progressive relaxation and meditation, and that such techniques were more effective when practiced over extended periods of time, including at-home practice. Given the results of this meta-analysis, patients with anxiety disorders might consider adding relaxation training to their current treatments for anxiety.
The Bottom Line: This meta-analysis strongly supports the observation that relaxation training can be helpful for patients with anxiety disorders.
Reference:Original Article
Suggested Reading:
- Overcoming Anxiety: From Short-Time Fixes to Long-Term Recovery (Paperback) by Reneau Peuifov
- The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook, Fourth Edition (Paperback) by Edmund J. Bourne
- Overcoming Anxiety for Dummies (Paperback) by Laura L. Smith (Author), Charles H. Elliott (Author)
Sources: See Blog Post, See Treatment: Relaxation Training, See Psychiatric Disroders: Anxiety Disorders
Dr. Jeffrey Speller
Dr. Tanya Korkosz
Psychopharmacology Associates
of New England