Mindfulness practices, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), have been shown to help some people with anxiety disorders. A randomized controlled trial compared this approach to treatment with the commonly prescribed drug escitalopram (Lexapro).
The trial included 276 adults with an average age of 33 who had been diagnosed with a primary anxiety disorder such as agoraphobia, panic, generalized anxiety, or social anxiety disorder. Half the participants received escitalopram and met regularly with a prescriber to adjust dosage as necessary. The other half received eight weeks of classes on the theory and practice of MBSR.
The trial found that MBSR was as effective as escitalopram for reducing clinical symptoms of anxiety. Further analysis of those results concluded that the two treatment approaches were also equivalent in terms of patient-reported anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Mindfulness (as discussed in the February 2025 issue of this newsletter) is beneficial for relieving stress. Studies like this show that, practiced appropriately, it may even help reduce the need for medication in conditions like anxiety disorders.