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Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review of the research evidence.

Kirkwood G, Rampes H, Tuffrey V, Richardson J, Pilkington K

Research Council for Complementary Medicine, London, UK.

Between March and June 2004, a systematic review was carried out of the research evidence on the effectiveness of yoga for the treatment of anxiety and anxiety disorders. Eight studies were reviewed. They reported positive results, although there were many methodological inadequacies. Owing to the diversity of conditions treated and poor quality of most of the studies, it is not possible to say that yoga is effective in treating anxiety or anxiety disorders in general. However, there are encouraging results, particularly with obsessive compulsive disorder. Further well conducted research is necessary which may be most productive if focused on specific anxiety disorders.

Published 24 November 2005 in Br J Sports Med, 39(12): 884-91; discussion 891.
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