Anxiety Disorder (General)

Anxiety Disorder (General) is a mental health condition involving anxiety as the central outcome. It may be assessed using anxiety scores, rather than being defined by a single physical symptom or experience.

Explore Anxiety Disorder (General) within the mental category.

34What may help

This list shows research findings, not treatments. Nothing here replaces medical care. If you have this condition, talk to a doctor.

What may help

What studies found for each option, best evidence first.

34 options:9 some evidence17 not enough evidence5 not tested in people3 no benefit found

What studies foundSize of effect

DancepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
8 of 9 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
Open the Dance page
PsychotherapypracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
15 of 16 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported benefit from virtual reality interventions in anxiety-related conditions. A separate pooled analysis also found benefit across several forms of psychotherapy, but included people with anxiety and other conditions.
Open the Psychotherapy page
BreathworkpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
10 of 11 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
Open the Breathwork page
Gardening TherapypracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A review of randomized trials reported improvements in anxiety in nature-based intervention groups versus controls, but gave no pooled estimate. Both studies measuring anxiety in a 2022 review found decreases, including after a 15-minute single session.
Open the Gardening Therapy page
SwimmingpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Pooled analyses whose study designs were not recorded reported a reduction in mental disorder symptoms with aquatic exercise. A separate review also reported improved psychological well-being.
Open the Swimming page
YogapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
18 of 19 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
A review reported a moderate reduction in anxiety symptoms. A separate pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded reported a larger effect.
Open the Yoga page
MassagepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A systematic review reported consistent increases in alpha activity, a shift in left-frontal asymmetry, and reduced anxiety and stress scores across EEG studies. A narrative review also reported reductions in state and trait anxiety, including outcomes assessed with STAI.
Open the Massage page
QigongpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
8 of 9 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
Pooled results favored Qigong and related practices over a waitlist or no intervention, but did not establish benefit over usual care or other interventions. Findings also varied: one network meta-analysis did not find a statistically significant anxiety benefit for Qigong compared with control.
Open the Qigong page

Yoga NidrapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found reductions in anxiety (active: −1.35, no comparator: −1.43). In a trial, 126 participants had lower HAM-A scores after 6 months of Yoga Nidra than the control group.
Open the Yoga Nidra page
CardiopracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
5 of 8 studies found a benefit; 3 found none.
Open the Cardio page
PilatespracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A 2023 meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials found a reduction in anxiety symptoms; the studies were conducted in people with Depression.
Open the Pilates page
Strength TrainingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 3 studies found a benefit; 2 found none.
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found reduced anxiety symptoms with resistance or mixed exercise. Findings conflict with another analysis, which found no significant advantage over waitlist.
Open the Strength Training page
AcupuncturepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A network meta-analysis ranked balance acupuncture combined with Xiaoyao powder highest for improving negative emotion scale scores.
Open the Acupuncture page
Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A 2024 pre-experimental study of 45 people found that compassion training was followed by reductions in perceived stress and anxiety; this finding does not establish an effect on anxiety disorders.
Open the Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta) page
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A meta-analysis noted potential benefit for anxious individuals, but anxiety was not analyzed separately. This does not establish an effect specifically for Anxiety Disorder (General).
Open the Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) page
Social DancingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
Pooled results favored Chinese square dance and group dance over control for anxiety, but differences among dance types were non-significant. The finding came from studies involving people with mild cognitive impairment, so it does not directly establish an effect in people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Open the Social Dancing page
Bedtime Wind-Down RitualpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
Among 982 healthy people, better sleep hygiene was correlated with lower anxiety scores; this cross-sectional finding does not show that bedtime rituals caused the difference.
Open the Bedtime Wind-Down Ritual page
Brisk WalkingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
In a randomized controlled trial of 66 outpatients with anxiety disorder, both Nordic walking and climbing exercise sessions produced positive changes in affect. The finding concerns acute emotion regulation, not whether walking treats anxiety disorder over time.
Open the Brisk Walking page
Focused Attention MeditationpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
In a randomized trial, one 10-min focused attention meditation session reduced state anxiety compared with random thinking in 26 competitive speed skaters; the participants were healthy, not a group identified as having an anxiety disorder.
Open the Focused Attention Meditation page
Gratitude JournalpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 3 studies found a benefit; 2 found none.
The studies disagree: a 2025 quasi-experimental study found a significant reduction in the DASS-21 anxiety subscale, while a 2022 randomized trial found no significant group-by-time interaction.
Open the Gratitude Journal page
Hatha YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
4 of 5 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
A meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported reduced anxiety after Hatha yoga, with larger effects among people with elevated anxiety. Findings differ by comparison group: another meta-analysis, pooling analyses whose designs were not recorded, found no significant effect versus active control groups.
Open the Hatha Yoga page
Heating Pads / Warm CompressespracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A pilot involving 22 people found an immediate reduction in self-reported anxiety, but baseline anxiety was low; the authors recommended testing in groups with higher anxiety.
Open the Heating Pads / Warm Compresses page
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
2 of 4 studies found a benefit; 2 found none.
In a trial of 16 people with high trait anxiety, a single bout of HIIT reduced state anxiety and enhanced negative emotion processing. A review found anxiety symptoms improved in 12 of 16 studies, particularly among people with lower baseline anxiety, but a pooled subgroup estimate was not statistically significant.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) page
Jump Rope TrainingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
In a 2023 quasi-experimental study, rope skipping over 3 weeks decreased SAS scores in 234 quarantined college students with mild to moderate anxiety (SAS 50-69).
Open the Jump Rope Training page
Vinyasa YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
In a 2023 quasi-experimental study, the Yoga group reported fewer anxiety symptoms than an assessment-only comparison. A separate pilot in 17 students reported reduced stress and anxiety, but had no control group.
Open the Vinyasa Yoga page
FastingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A 2025 review described intermittent fasting as a potential approach for anxiety, but said effects varied and the evidence was preliminary; the review drew on cited literature rather than original data.
Open the Fasting page
Hot YogapracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Physical exertion, breath control, and meditative focus may help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Open the Hot Yoga page
Box BreathingpracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Box breathing is used as an adjunctive non-drug strategy for managing generalized anxiety and panic symptoms.
Open the Box Breathing page
Coherent BreathingpracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Coherent Breathing is used as a non-pharmacological approach for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and other anxiety conditions.
Open the Coherent Breathing page
Indoor RowingpracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Rowing is described as potentially reducing anxiety symptoms through endorphin release, rhythmic movement, and improved stress resilience.
Open the Indoor Rowing page
Wim Hof Method BreathingpracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
The practice is proposed as a possible adjunct for anxiety disorders because it may reduce anxiety and stress reactivity.
Open the Wim Hof Method Breathing page
Ice Bath / Cold PlungepracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit.
A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found an anxiety estimate that was statistically inconclusive, with very wide confidence intervals; the authors found no robust signal.
Open the Ice Bath / Cold Plunge page
Expressive WritingpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
0 of 2 studies found a benefit; 2 found none.
Pooled randomized and non-randomized human studies did not support a reduction in test anxiety from a single session of expressive writing.
Open the Expressive Writing page
Finnish SaunapracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit.
Sauna has not been shown to treat anxiety disorder. In cross-sectional reports from 384 people, some women said sauna reduced anxiety, while others with anxiety described panic-like symptoms triggered by rising heat and heart rate.
Open the Finnish Sauna page

Show all 34

The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.

What may help

Interventions recorded as helping with this condition34 listed

Most likely to help, from the evidence we have

PracticesDanceCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisModerate effect
A network meta-analysis found that Dance/Movement Therapy reduced anxiety symptoms (SMD -0.59, 95% CrI [-0.96, -0.24]), while the large effect for CBT+Dance was not statistically clear (SMD -1.23, 95% CrI [-2.82, 0.37]). Other pooled findings reported anxiety improvements, but another analysis did not rank dance in its anxiety network and described its effects as less pronounced, so results differ across analyses.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
Dance movement therapy significantly reduced anxiety symptoms (SMD -0.59, 95% CrI [-0.96, -0.24]) in the network meta-analysis; CBT+Dance showed a large but non-significant effect (SMD -1.23, 95% CrI [-2.82, 0.37]).
Open Dance
→
PracticesPsychotherapyCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisModerate effect
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported benefit from virtual reality interventions in anxiety-related conditions. A separate pooled analysis also found benefit across several forms of psychotherapy, but included people with anxiety and other conditions.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Depression
Study result
Two studies targeted anxiety-related conditions; overall meta-analysis showed significant benefit of VR interventions.
Open Psychotherapy
→
PracticesBreathworkCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found lower anxiety scores (g=-0.32, 95% CI [-0.48, -0.16]), with significant heterogeneity. Another pooled analysis reported a large change, but 6 of its 7 studies were uncontrolled single-arm designs, so causal conclusions cannot be drawn.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Tuberculosis
Study result
Meta-analysis of 20 RCTs: g=-0.32, 95% CI [-0.48, -0.16], p<0.0001; significant heterogeneity.
Open Breathwork
→
PracticesGardening TherapyCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A review of randomized trials reported improvements in anxiety in nature-based intervention groups versus controls, but gave no pooled estimate. Both studies measuring anxiety in a 2022 review found decreases, including after a 15-minute single session.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Alzheimers Disease
Anxiety Disorder
Dementia
Depression
Schizophrenia
Study result
Review reports significant improvements in anxiety in NBI groups versus controls across included RCTs; no pooled estimate reported.
Open Gardening Therapy
→
PracticesSwimmingCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
Pooled analyses whose study designs were not recorded reported a reduction in mental disorder symptoms with aquatic exercise (SMD = -0.77, P < 0.01). A separate review also reported improved psychological well-being.
Study result
Pooled meta-analysis of 18 trials showing statistically significant reduction in mental disorder symptoms with aquatic exercise (SMD = -0.77, P < 0.01).
Open Swimming
→
PracticesYogaCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effect
A review reported a moderate reduction in anxiety symptoms (SMD −0.55; 95% CI −0.74 to −0.36; I2=60%). A separate pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded reported a larger effect (SMD=-1.13, p<0.001).
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety Generalized
Arthritis
Back Pain
Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
+13 more
Study result
Moderate evidence: SMD −0.55 (95% CI −0.74 to −0.36), I2=60%
Open Yoga
→
PracticesMassageCertaintyMediumSourceClinical
A systematic review reported consistent increases in alpha activity, a shift in left-frontal asymmetry, and reduced anxiety and stress scores across EEG studies. A narrative review also reported reductions in state and trait anxiety, including outcomes assessed with STAI.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
Consistent alpha increases, left-frontal asymmetry shift, and reduced anxiety/stress scores across multiple EEG studies
Open Massage
→

Medium probability(2)

PracticesQigongCertaintyMediumSourceClinical
Pooled results favored Qigong and related practices over a waitlist or no intervention, but did not establish benefit over usual care or other interventions. Findings also varied: one network meta-analysis did not find a statistically significant anxiety benefit for Qigong compared with control.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Cancer
Depression
Diabetes Type2
Menopause
Osteoporosis
Study result
Pooled SMD favoring practices vs waitlist/no intervention; no benefit over usual care or other intervention controls established.
Open Qigong
→
PracticesYoga NidraCertaintyMediumSourceClinical
A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found reductions in anxiety (active: −1.35, no comparator: −1.43). In a trial, 126 participants had lower HAM-A scores after 6 months of Yoga Nidra than the control group (P<0.003).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Cancer
Chronic Kidney Disease
Depression
Hypertension
Insomnia
+1 more
Study result
Between-group meta-analysis showed significant reduction in anxiety (active: −1.35, no comparator: −1.43)
Open Yoga Nidra
→

Low probability(22)

PracticesCardioCertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysisSmall effect
A pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found a small reduction in anxiety (SMD=-0.32, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.03), while a separate analysis found that exercise prevented antenatal anxiety but did not significantly treat it. Findings disagree: another pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found an estimate of SMD −0.11 (95% CI −0.31 to 0.09), with the confidence interval crossing zero.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Study result
Exercise significantly prevented antenatal anxiety (SMD=-1.184, P=0.007) but showed no significant effect on treating antenatal anxiety (P>0.05).
Open Cardio
→
PracticesPilatesCertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysis
A 2023 meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials found a reduction in anxiety symptoms; the studies were conducted in people with Depression.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Depression
Study result
Meta-analysis of 8 RCTs showing significant reduction in anxiety symptoms.
Open Pilates
→
PracticesStrength TrainingCertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysisLarge effect
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found reduced anxiety symptoms with resistance or mixed exercise (SMD -0.83, 95% CI -1.42 to -0.25). Findings conflict with another analysis, which found no significant advantage over waitlist.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
Meta-analysis of RCTs showing significant reduction in anxiety symptoms with resistance/mixed exercise (SMD -0.83, 95% CI -1.42 to -0.25).
Open Strength Training
→
PracticesAcupunctureCertaintyLowSourceRCT
A network meta-analysis ranked balance acupuncture combined with Xiaoyao powder highest for improving negative emotion scale scores.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Insomnia
Study result
Network meta-analysis showing balance acupuncture combined with Xiaoyao powder ranked highest for improving negative emotion scale scores.
Open Acupuncture
→
PracticesLoving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)CertaintyLowSourceRCT
A 2024 pre-experimental study of 45 people found that compassion training was followed by reductions in perceived stress and anxiety; this finding does not establish an effect on anxiety disorders.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Study result
Noninferior to CPT for PTSD symptoms; within-condition effect size d=0.66 for LKM at 6 months.
Open Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)
→
PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyLowSourceRCT
A meta-analysis noted potential benefit for anxious individuals, but anxiety was not analyzed separately. This does not establish an effect specifically for Anxiety Disorder (General).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Clinical significance statement notes potential benefit in anxious individuals; not separately analysed.
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
→
PracticesSocial DancingCertaintyLowSourceRCT
Pooled results favored Chinese square dance and group dance over control for anxiety, but differences among dance types were non-significant. The finding came from studies involving people with mild cognitive impairment, so it does not directly establish an effect in people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Study result
Pooled SMD favoured Chinese square dance and group dance over control for anxiety; differences among dance types were non-significant.
Open Social Dancing
→
PracticesBedtime Wind-Down RitualCertaintyLowSourceClinical
Among 982 healthy people, better sleep hygiene was correlated with lower anxiety scores (r = -0.323, p < 0.001); this cross-sectional finding does not show that bedtime rituals caused the difference.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
Cross-sectional association: better sleep hygiene (higher ASHS total) was significantly correlated with lower DASS-21 anxiety scores, r = -0.323, p < 0.001.
Open Bedtime Wind-Down Ritual
→
PracticesBrisk WalkingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a randomized controlled trial of 66 outpatients with anxiety disorder, both Nordic walking and climbing exercise sessions produced positive changes in affect. The finding concerns acute emotion regulation, not whether walking treats anxiety disorder over time.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Anxiety Disorder
Ptsd
Study result
Both nordic walking and climbing exercise sessions produced positive affective changes in outpatients with anxiety disorder, indicating therapeutic potential for acute emotion regulation.
Open Brisk Walking
→
PracticesFocused Attention MeditationCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a randomized trial, one 10-min focused attention meditation session reduced state anxiety compared with random thinking in 26 competitive speed skaters; the participants were healthy, not a group identified as having an anxiety disorder.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
Significant reduction in state anxiety (STAI) after a single 10-min focused attention meditation session compared to random thinking in competitive speed skaters.
Open Focused Attention Meditation
→
PracticesGratitude JournalCertaintyLowSourceClinical
The studies disagree: a 2025 quasi-experimental study found a significant reduction in the DASS-21 anxiety subscale (p<0.001), while a 2022 randomized trial found no significant group-by-time interaction (p=0.129).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Significant reduction in DASS-21 anxiety subscale (p<0.001)
Open Gratitude Journal
→
PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported reduced anxiety after Hatha yoga, with larger effects among people with elevated anxiety. Findings differ by comparison group: another meta-analysis, pooling analyses whose designs were not recorded, found no significant effect versus active control groups.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety Generalized
Dysthymia
Major Depressive Disorder
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety
Study result
Meta-analysis of 17 studies (11 waitlist-controlled) reporting reduced anxiety after Hatha yoga, with larger effects in people with elevated anxiety.
Open Hatha Yoga
→
PracticesHeating Pads / Warm CompressesCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A pilot involving 22 people found an immediate reduction in self-reported anxiety, but baseline anxiety was low; the authors recommended testing in groups with higher anxiety.
Study result
Single-arm pilot found an immediate reduction in self-reported anxiety; authors note baseline anxiety was low and recommend testing in higher-anxiety groups.
Open Heating Pads / Warm Compresses
→
PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a trial of 16 people with high trait anxiety, a single bout of HIIT reduced state anxiety and enhanced negative emotion processing. A review found anxiety symptoms improved in 12 of 16 studies, particularly among people with lower baseline anxiety, but a pooled subgroup estimate was not statistically significant (p = 0.244).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety Generalized
Asthma
Cancer
Copd
Coronary Artery Disease
+11 more
Study result
Acute HIIT reduced state anxiety and enhanced negative emotion processing in individuals with high trait anxiety.
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
→
PracticesJump Rope TrainingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a 2023 quasi-experimental study, rope skipping over 3 weeks decreased SAS scores in 234 quarantined college students with mild to moderate anxiety (SAS 50-69).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Study result
Rope skipping significantly decreased SAS scores in quarantined college students with mild to moderate anxiety (SAS 50-69) over 3 weeks.
Open Jump Rope Training
→
PracticesVinyasa YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a 2023 quasi-experimental study, the Yoga group reported fewer anxiety symptoms than an assessment-only comparison (B = -0.75, p = 0.048). A separate pilot in 17 students reported reduced stress and anxiety, but had no control group.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Yoga group reported less anxiety symptoms than assessment-only comparison (B = -0.75, p = 0.048).
Open Vinyasa Yoga
→
PracticesFastingCertaintyLowSourceReview
A 2025 review described intermittent fasting as a potential approach for anxiety, but said effects varied and the evidence was preliminary; the review drew on cited literature rather than original data.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Authors state IF 'shows promise as a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of depression and anxiety, but the effects appear to be varied and the current evidence is preliminary' — based on cited literature, not original data from this protocol paper.
Open Fasting
→
PracticesHot YogaCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Physical exertion, breath control, and meditative focus may help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Study result
The combination of physical exertion, breath control, and meditative focus may reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Open Hot Yoga
→
PracticesBox BreathingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Box breathing is used as an adjunctive non-drug strategy for managing generalized anxiety and panic symptoms.
Study result
Controlled breathing techniques like box breathing are used as adjunctive non-pharmacologic strategies for managing generalized anxiety and panic symptoms.
Open Box Breathing
→
PracticesCoherent BreathingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Coherent Breathing is used as a non-pharmacological approach for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and other anxiety conditions.
Study result
Coherent breathing is used as a non-pharmacological intervention for generalized anxiety disorder and other anxiety conditions.
Open Coherent Breathing
→
PracticesIndoor RowingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Rowing is described as potentially reducing anxiety symptoms through endorphin release, rhythmic movement, and improved stress resilience.
Study result
Rowing reduces anxiety symptoms through endorphin release, rhythmic movement, and improved stress resilience.
Open Indoor Rowing
→
PracticesWim Hof Method BreathingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
The practice is proposed as a possible adjunct for anxiety disorders because it may reduce anxiety and stress reactivity.
Study result
The practice reduces anxiety and stress reactivity, making it a potential adjunctive therapy for anxiety disorders.
Open Wim Hof Method Breathing
→

Very low probability(3)

PracticesIce Bath / Cold PlungeCertaintyVery lowSourceRCT
A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found an anxiety estimate that was statistically inconclusive, with very wide confidence intervals; the authors found no robust signal.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Depression
Multiple Sclerosis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Open Ice Bath / Cold Plunge
→
PracticesExpressive WritingCertaintyVery lowSourceClinical
Pooled randomized and non-randomized human studies did not support a reduction in test anxiety from a single session of expressive writing.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Open Expressive Writing
→
PracticesFinnish SaunaCertaintyVery lowSourceClinical
Sauna has not been shown to treat anxiety disorder. In cross-sectional reports from 384 people, some women said sauna reduced anxiety, while others with anxiety described panic-like symptoms triggered by rising heat and heart rate.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Open Finnish Sauna
→

What to avoid

Interventions recorded as making it worse

Nothing in this library is currently recorded as making Anxiety Disorder (General) worse. Coverage is partial, and absence here is not evidence of safety.

Browse the supplements that are written up

How to read the evidence

Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound

StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.

Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real

Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence

Source — where the data comes from

Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
ClinicalA human clinical study
Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested

Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)

AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only

Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding

A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement

Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.

Full write-up

What is it

The interventions associated with this condition include options such as Chamomile, L-Theanine, Yin Yoga, and Lavender Extract. Findings come from different study contexts, so they may not apply equally to every person. Anyone concerned about a medical condition can discuss it with a clinician.

Evidence-backed options

The options studied for general anxiety disorder span oral products, topical or massage-based use, and non-drug practices. The interventions were not tested in one uniform population: findings include people after delivery, patients receiving hemodialysis, participants with specific clinical diagnoses, and groups whose health status was not specified. This variation limits how directly the results apply to every person with general anxiety disorder.

Timing also differed. Yin Yoga was associated with reduced anxiety after 10 weeks and after each session compared with control, suggesting that both session-related and longer-term effects were assessed. Oral L-theanine was evaluated for anxiolysis, while chamomile was studied as chamomile oil used with Swedish massage after delivery. For many other options, the available findings do not specify how long the intervention was used or how quickly changes appeared, so the evidence does not establish a common onset time.

The strength and relevance of the evidence are uneven. Some options have clinical or randomized-trial findings, whereas others rely on reviews, reference material, or animal research. Results involving MCT Oil and Quercetin came from animals, and the evidence for Creatine was described as encouraging but in need of clinical trials before consensus. Vitamin B6 was examined as part of a magnesium combination rather than as an isolated option. These distinctions matter when interpreting the options alongside the condition, and a clinician can help assess their relevance to an individual situation.

What to avoid

Caffeine is flagged for Anxiety Disorder (General) because it is anxiogenic, meaning it can worsen anxiety symptoms. It may also trigger panic attacks and interfere with anxiety treatment. These concerns relate to its potential effects on anxiety and treatment response rather than to a specific product form.

People managing an anxiety disorder may wish to discuss caffeine use with a clinician, particularly if symptoms change, panic attacks occur, or treatment is already underway. Any decision about changing caffeine intake or treatment should be considered in the context of the person’s overall care.