by Debra Macapagal

Created on: January 29, 2009

Yoga as a Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

Yoga has been used for well over 5000 years to promote self development and self awareness, but is yoga an effective form of treatment for people suffering from anxiety disorders?

Approximately 10 percent of the population suffer from anxiety disorders.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Panic Disorders

Sever panic attacks that are repeated and unpredictable accompanied by

heart palpitations, chest pains, dizziness, sweating, fear of dying and nausea.

Social Phobias or Social Anxiety Disorder

Extreme discomfort in social situations, whether it is public speaking or at social gatherings. Persons suffering social phobias have symptoms such as, racing heart, blushing, shortness of breath, trembling and blurred vision. They can also have negative thoughts, telling them they will fail, no one likes them or that others will laugh at them.

Specific Phobias

Intense and sometime irrational fear of things, places or situations, such as a fear of spiders, flying or heights.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorders

Can develop when someone has experienced a traumatic event like a car accident or a physical attack. Flashbacks and nightmares are common symptoms. Suffers can become withdrawn, depressed, and irritable.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Unwanted thoughts that sometimes result in repetitive behaviour. Someone who has anxieties about germs for example will constantly wash or disinfect themselves and anything they touch. Counting, hand washing, constantly checking

Generalized Anxiety Disorders

Constant and excessive worrying about regular day to day activities, such as personal health, school, weather, money. Symptoms could include sleeplessness, difficult concentrating, fatique, irritability, sweating, and nausea.

Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

Common treatment for anxiety is a combination of medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs in combination with psychotherapy which involves talking to a mental health professional and/or Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy.

Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy includes deep breathing and relaxation exercises.

Yoga incorporates deep breathing, relaxation exercises and meditation, which are also used in Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy for those suffering with anxiety disorders.

A study done by the Department of Psychology and Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS) at Stockholm University found that both cognitive behaviour therapy and yoga "are both promising stress management techniques."

There are many different types of yoga, but the general goal of all yoga practices are to reach a peaceful state of body and mind, in order to help the participant manage stress and anxiety. (MayoClinic.com 2008)

Through yoga people suffering from anxiety disorders can learn how to lower their heart rate when they feel an attack coming on. Their concentration, sleep, breathing, memory and social skills (self confidence) will be improved. Yoga teaches positive thinking and self acceptance. Energy levels will be increase while depression decreases.

Yoga is a very good treatment for people with anxiety disorders. Since there are many forms of yoga it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting any classes, in order to find the form that is right for the disorder.

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