The Effectiveness of Rajyoga Meditation as an Adjuvant for Panic Anxiety Syndrome.
International journal of yoga – January 01, 2023
Source: PubMed
Summary
Rajyoga meditation (RM) significantly enhances treatment outcomes for patients with panic disorder. In a study of 110 participants, those practicing RM alongside standard treatment showed marked improvements in anxiety and panic severity after 8 weeks. The composite score, derived from z-scores of the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), revealed substantial differences between groups, indicating effective modulation of symptoms. Adherence and motivation under professional supervision emerged as crucial elements for maximizing RM's benefits.
Abstract
One of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions that affect a person's quality of life, ability to function and productivity, and consequently the loss of national income, are anxiety disorders. Rajyoga meditation (RM) is a form of meditation that is performed without rituals or mantras and can be practiced anywhere at any time. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the modulation of psycho-physiological parameters in panic disorder patients by a technique of short-term on RM. In this prospective randomized control study, 110 patients with panic disorder were randomized into two groups, Group A (standard treatment + RM) and Group B (Standard treatment). The participants of both group participants were subjected to sleep quality score, Physical Health Questionnaire-9 score, Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) questionnaires before starting the study (baseline) and at the end of the 8th week. Study groups were compared at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks. We found that the PDSS/HAM-A was not statistically different among the study groups at baseline (P > 0.05); however, there was a statistically significant difference in mean z-scores of PDSS and post-HAM-A scores among the study groups at 8 weeks (P < 0.001). The composite score was created by adding the z-scores of pre- and post-PDSS and HAM-A. We found a statistically significant difference in postcomposite scores between the study groups (P < 0.001). Analysis of co-variance for PDSS and HAM-A among study groups showed statistical significance (P < 0.001). When used in conjunction with pharmaceutical treatments for the treatment of panic disorder, RM is a successful therapy. The key factors are adherence and motivation while being supervised by a licensed therapist.