Lifestyle modification

NUTRITION

  • A high dose of vitamin B6 may reduce anxiety symptoms (5)
  • There are mixed findings on the effect of omega 3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of anxiety (6, 4)

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

  • Regular physical activity may reduce symptoms. High intensity training may have the best effect (1)
  • Mind-body exercises are effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety (2)

STRESS

  • Apply relaxation training (1)

SLEEP

  • Improve sleep (1)

SUNLIGHT

  • 30 minutes of bright light exposure every morning for 3 weeks may reduce symptoms of anxiety (3)
  • Possible mechanism of action: Bright light affects amygdala-prefrontal reactivity and communication (3)

References

1) https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/120/management-approach

2) https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2023/03/02/bjsports-2022-106195

3) https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(13)01102-5/fulltext

4) https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/omega3-and-polyunsaturated-fat-for-prevention-of-depression-and-anxiety-symptoms-systematic-review-and-metaanalysis-of-randomised-trials/B074BDC1CF8D59D234E30B961E9EADF8

5) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hup.2852

6) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/complementary-and-alternative-treatments-for-anxiety-symptoms-and-disorders-herbs-and-medications

Resources

  1. Anxiety test

EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION

Figure: Evidence pyramid

​Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD font

​Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE font

​Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in PLAIN font

​Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE font