Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction As Effective As Antidepressants For Anxiety Disorders

A guided, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program was found to be as effective as a commonly used antidepressant (escitalopram) for individuals with anxiety disorders. Using a validated assessment measure, individuals using the MBSR program saw a 1.35 point mean reduction in their scores, while those using escitalopram saw a 1.43 point mean reduction in their score. This is considered a statistically equivalent outcome. This is an estimated 30% decrease in the severity of peoples’ anxiety for both treatment methods.
For the randomized trial, MBSR was offered weekly for eight weeks via eight, two-hour in-person classes . . .