Effectiveness of complementary and self-help treatments for anxiety disorders.
To review the evidence for the effectiveness of complementary and self-help treatments for anxiety disorders.



Systematic literature search using PubMed, PsycLit, and the Cochrane Library.



108 treatments were identified and grouped under the categories of medicines and homoeopathic remedies, physical treatments, lifestyle, and dietary changes. We give a description of the 34 treatments (for which evidence was found in the literature searched), the rationale behind the treatments, a review of studies on effectiveness, and the level of evidence for the effectiveness studies.



The treatments with the best evidence of effectiveness are kava (for generalised anxiety), exercise (for generalised anxiety), relaxation training (for generalised anxiety, panic disorder, dental phobia and test anxiety) and bibliotherapy (for specific phobias). There is more limited evidence to support the effectiveness of acupuncture, music, autogenic training and meditation for generalised anxiety; for inositol in the treatment of panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder; and for alcohol avoidance by people with alcohol-use disorders to reduce a range of anxiety disorders.
Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Building 63, Eggleston Road, Acton, ACT 0200, Australia. anthony.jorm@anu.edu.au.
Anthony F
AF
Jorm
Helen
H
Christensen
Kathleen M
KM
Griffiths
Ruth A
RA
Parslow
Bryan
B
Rodgers
Kelly A
KA
Blewitt
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012651:Self Medication / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016896:Treatment Outcome