In this study, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of a pilot program that used multiple complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, focusing on self-care behaviours for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The study occurred at a military treatment facility in the Pacific Northwest. Participants were a convenience sample of volunteers seeking treatment, there were 37 enrolled in total who had a documented history of GAD or met screening criteria based on the GAD-7. The participants received acupuncture treatments once a week for 6 weeks and engaged in yogic breathing exercises, self or partner-assisted massage therapy using scented oils, episodic journaling, nutrition counseling, and exercise. The results showed that 68% of the participants completed the program. There were significant reductions in anxiety pre- and posttest using GAD-7 and there were also individual subscale reductions on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. While not specifically targeted for treatment, secondary exploratory outcomes included reductions in use of anxiolytic medication and in the pain scale. The authors conclude that in this pilot study, a multimodal intervention focusing on self-care behaviours may be feasible for patients seeking adjunctive treatments, and that it may produce anxiolytic effects validated measures. Altern Ther Health Med. 2013. PMID: 23981404.
