Lifestyle Medicine-Based Naturopathic Management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Case Report

Abstract

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition associated with significant psychological and physiologicaldisturbances. Integrative approaches, such as Yoga and Naturopathy (YN), may offer beneficial outcomes in its management. This studyaimed to evaluate the effect of a 16-day YN intervention on anxiety and overall well-being in a patient with GAD. A 32-year-old malewith a two-year history of GAD presented with symptoms including weight gain, low mood, hyperphagia, and psychological distress.Baseline assessment using the GAD-7 scale indicated severe anxiety. The patient underwent a structured 16-day YN regimen comprisinghydrotherapy, acupuncture, mud therapy, diet therapy, and therapeutic yoga practices. Outcome measures included blood pressure, bodyweight, and psychological status assessed using the GAD-7 scale. Following the intervention, the patient demonstrated a reduction inbody weight and improvement in blood pressure. A significant decrease in the GAD-7 score was observed, along with enhanced activitylevels and overall well-being. These findings suggest that YN interventions may be effective in reducing anxiety and improving thequality of life in individuals with GAD. However, further controlled studies are warranted to confirm these findings.