A new study found that mindfulness meditation for anxiety was just as effective as medication for reducing symptoms.
Here’s what to know.
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Experts in This Article
psychiatrist and chief medical officer at LifeStance Health
The catch?
It could require a big time commitment, which may not work for everyone.
What did the study say about how mindfulness meditation can help with anxiety?
psychiatrist and chief medical officer at LifeStance Health
The study consisted of 276 adults diagnosed with untreated anxiety disorders and split them into two randomized groups.
And many people use it as a tool for their overall mental health.
What is important to know about the limitations of the study?
One other thing to keep in mind?
Some people living with an anxiety disorder might find medication provides more relief than meditation no matter what.
Dr. Patel-Dunn says this is perfectly healthy and normal.
Medication is an evidence-based treatment and has shown to be effective at treating generalized anxiety disorder, she says.
(Note: its always best to talk with your doctor before stopping any medications.)
One of the benefits of meditation is that it is very accessible, said Dr. Patel-Dunn.
psychiatrist and chief medical officer at LifeStance Health
Still fuzzy on what mindfulness meditation actually is?
It focuses on the deep interconnection between the mind and body and being fully in the moment and present.
How much time you commit to meditation is really up to you and your schedule, says Dr. Patel-Dunn.
If you dont have hours to dedicate to meditation every day, that is okay.
you’re able to still see benefits by spending five to ten minutes engaged in amindfulness activity.
There is no one right way to practice, she says.
Its really a matter of tailoring the approach to fit your unique needs.
Thats why its good to have reasonable expectations when it comes to treatments, says Dr. Patel-Dunn.
They can be a valuable resource and are trained to help develop a personalized treatment plan.
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