Generalized anxiety remains a complex condition to treat due to its wide spectrum of symptoms. While pharmaceutical drugs and traditional psychiatric care can be effective, many people shy away from treatment to avoid side-effects from medications. Others would rather treat their symptoms themselves, turning to complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. Indeed, these "holistic" therapies are often more popular than conventional medicine, according to an article in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Always communicate with your health provider the self-help and alternative therapies you are also engaged in, so you can receive the best possible care.
Popularity of CAM
Stress is a normal part of life, but constant anxiety, nervousness or fear about aspects of everyday life can become debilitating. For others, anxiety is a symptom of depression. Most people do not seek medical help for these conditions, and many also use self-help and alternative medicine while undergoing professional care. In fact, researchers from Harvard Medical School found that more than 65 percent of sufferers of anxiety in their study also used CAM, according to a 2001 article in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
East Meets West
The rise of CAM can be traced to the cross-pollination between Western medicine and the ancient medical systems from China, India and Japan. Ayurvedic medicine, yoga for stress management, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are increasingly popular. Also, indigenous American healing methods, such as the sweat lodge and cleansing rituals, offer alternative healing for anxiety and depression. Not all of these methods should be considered alternative, however, as many of these practices can be incorporated into a care regime. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recommends clear communication with your medical provider. This U.S.-based medical group oversees the scientific viability of complementary healing practices and funds research about the effectiveness of specific herbal and folk remedies.
Support Groups
Local support groups can provide assistance with anxiety. These groups are community centered, and led by counselors, survivors, or ministry leaders. Many ministers these days also have training in psychology, so they are in the unique position of helping people with psychological issues and provide spiritual support.
Medical Research
Until recently, a deep divide separated Eastern approaches to medicine, which often emphasize spirituality as well as herbal treatments and conventional treatment. Today, many studies are funded to determine the scientific usefulness of specific treatments. For example, the American Cancer Society recommends aromatherapy to help cancer patients with their severe anxiety. Also, a 2009 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that chamomile extracts provided significant relief for those suffering from mild to moderate anxiety.
Warnings
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine warns that some folk remedies that have been used for centuries may be ineffective, and others may have contraindications with other drugs. Also, information on many dietary supplements is still thin. Clear and honest communication with your medical provider remains the best approach to holistic medicine.
References
- American Journal of Psychiatry; The Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapies to Treat Anxiety and Depression in the United States
- National Mental Health Information Center: Alternative Approaches to Mental Health Care
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: What is CAM?
- National Cancer Institute: Aromatherapy
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Study Shows Chamomile Capsules Ease Anxiety Symptoms
