The Effectiveness of Rajyoga Meditation as an Adjuvant for Panic Anxiety Syndrome.

Adding Rajyoga meditation to standard treatment for panic disorder improves symptoms more than standard treatment alone. In a randomized controlled trial, 110 patients with panic disorder were assigned to either standard treatment plus Rajyoga meditation or standard treatment alone. After 8 weeks, scores on the Panic Disorder Severity Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale showed significantly greater improvement in the meditation group. The composite score combining both scales also showed a significant difference between groups. Rajyoga meditation, a form of meditation without rituals or mantras, is an effective adjunct therapy for panic disorder when practiced under a trained therapist.

Study at a glance

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.