Stress Reduction Techniques and Anxiety: Therapeutic and Neuroendocrine Effects

Current therapies for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) have limited effectiveness. This
study measures the efficacy of two different approaches to reducing anxiety and stress. One
approach uses education, nutrition, exercise, and time management training, and another uses
mindfulness meditation and yoga, which is taught as part of the Mindfulness-based stress
reduction (MBSR) course, an 8-week manualized mindfulness intervention. We hypothesize that
the two approaches will reduce anxiety in individuals with GAD in different ways. We will
measure changes in stress hormones associated with these changes.