Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2006; 11: 45
To establish the safety and efficacy of naturopathic treatment (a combination of Withania somnifera, a multi-vitamin, and naturopathic dietary and lifestyle counselling) on commonly accepted treatments of anxiety (cognitive behavioural counselling, relaxation exercises, encouragement to exercise).
Canada Post employees experiencing symptoms of anxiety were recruited. The Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Fatigue Questionnaire and SF-36 were completed to assess baseline anxiety levels and quality of life. Blood pressure, medication, supplement and treatment usage were established at baseline. Eighty-six participants were included; exclusion criteria were pregnancy, moderate depression and BAI scores < 10. Participants were randomised to one of two treatment groups. During a weekly 30-min session both groups received encouragement to exercise, cognitive-behavioural therapy and stress reduction counselling. In addition, the active group received naturopathic dietary modification, Withania somnifera (300 mg b.i.d.) and a multivitamin (b.i.d.). The control group received placebo for the Withania somnifera (b.i.d.) and the multivitamin (b.i.d.), and dietary monitoring without intervention. The BAI and the Fatigue Questionnaire (specific anxiety questionnaires), SF-36 (quality of life questionnaire) and Perceived Benefit of Treatment Questionnaire were administered; blood pressure, medication and adjunctive therapy use were recorded at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Diet (checklist of foods relevant to anxiety), exercise (hours/week) and compliance to treatment were monitored at each visit.
The study was completed in August 2006. The data has been synthesised and is currently being analysed by an independent statistician. Results and conclusions will be available for the 13th Annual Symposium on Complementary Health Care.
This study was funded by Canada Post Corporation and Canadian Union of Postal Workers. They had no role in the conduct or analysis of this data, nor saw the abstract prior to submission.
