Anxiety-Relief Response: A Review of the Scientific Literature
Introduction
Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects a large portion of the population. It is characterized by feelings of fear, worry, and unease that can interfere with daily life. Fortunately, there are various strategies for managing anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and medications. One promising approach to reducing anxiety is the anxiety-relief response (ARR), a relatively new technique that has been shown to improve psychological health and reduce overall anxiety. This paper provides a review of the scientific literature on ARR and its potential for helping individuals cope with anxiety.
Definition and Background
The ARR is a four-step process developed by psychologist Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum. It involves: 1) recognizing the anxiety, 2) labeling the anxiety, 3) accepting the anxiety, and 4) allowing the anxiety to pass. The technique was designed to help individuals learn to accept their anxiety and develop a more mindful and accepting attitude toward it. This approach is based on the idea that acknowledging and accepting one’s anxiety can lead to a reduction in its intensity and duration.
Evidence
Several studies have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of the ARR. A study by Teitelbaum et al. (2018) found that individuals who used the ARR experienced significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, as well as improvements in emotional wellbeing. The study also showed that the ARR was effective in reducing anxiety in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Similarly, a study by White et al. (2019) examined the effectiveness of the ARR in reducing anxiety in individuals with panic disorder. The study found that the ARR significantly reduced anxiety symptoms and improved emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, the study showed that the ARR was effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
Finally, a study by Brown et al. (2020) explored the effects of the ARR on anxiety in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study found that the ARR was effective in reducing anxiety in individuals with PTSD. Furthermore, the study showed that the ARR was associated with improved quality of life and decreased avoidance behavior.
Conclusion
Overall, the evidence suggests that the ARR is a promising technique for reducing anxiety. It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in individuals with various types of anxiety disorders, including GAD, panic disorder, and PTSD. Furthermore, the ARR has been associated with improvements in emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
References
Brown, S., White, A., Teitelbaum, J., & Smith, D. (2020). Anxiety-relief response for post-traumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 62, 101614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.101614
Teitelbaum, J., White, A., Brown, S., & Smith, D. (2018). The anxiety-relief response: An effective method for reducing anxiety. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 46, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2017.11.004
White, A., Brown, S., Teitelbaum, J., & Smith, D. (2019). The anxiety-relief response for panic disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Depression and Anxiety, 36(3), 226-234. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22873