A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry (1992; 149(7):946–943) examined the effects of a meditation-based relaxation program in 22 individuals diagnosed with anxiety or panic disorder. Participants were evaluated using self-assessment questionnaires and therapist ratings before and during the intervention.
The program consisted of structured meditation practices delivered over 20 sessions. Following the intervention, reductions in anxiety scores were reported in 20 of the participants. These changes were maintained during the follow-up period. The authors noted that observed benefits were associated with regular meditation practice, rather than using meditation only in response to acute anxiety symptoms. Meditation is one way to get stress under control.
