A Non-Randomized Single Blind Clinical Study To Assess The Efficacy Of Bach Flower Remedies In Management Of Generalised Anxiety Disorder In Age Group Of Above 18 Years

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

 A generalized anxiety disorder is an excessive, irrational worry that contributes to the majority of psychological distress, makes it difficult to concentrate on everyday tasks, encourages sedentary behaviour, and has the potential to spread systemic diseases over the world. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the global health consciousness, leading to anxiety and fear among both sufferers and non-sufferers Unexpected emotional, physical, and psychological disturbances impact daily life activities. Here comes a Nature's gift: Bach Flower remedies help mental turmoil, clear hindrances, and achieve emotional balance. Dr. Bach introduced Bach Flower Remedies as a complementary alternative therapy for emotional imbalances causing Mental and physical ill-health. This study was intended to investigate whether Bach Flower Remedies are effective in treating Patients with GAD.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of Bach flower remedies for management of episodes of generalized anxiety disorder and to relieve their symptoms and to improve the quality of life of patients with GAD.

METHODS: It is a single blind, non-randomized clinical trial, conducted at the OPD of Bharati Vidyapeeth (deemed to be university) Homoeopathic college and Research Centre, Pune. The study includes 34 clinically diagnosed cases of GAD, of which 30 cases of age group 18 – 60 years. Bach Flower remedies were selected in combinations, according to symptom similarity on the basis of totality of symptoms predominantly on mental generals ascertained after detailed case taking. Assessment of improvement was based on Generalized Anxiety Score 7 scale, and subjective relief in their presenting symptoms.

RESULTS: GAD 7 Anxiety score before and after the intervention in the management of generalized anxiety disorder. analysis was done using paired “test. Before treatment, GAD-7 score was 14.83+3.77 (mean+ SD) which reduces to 9.27 + 3.75 after treatment. T-statistic value is 27.61 with a p-value of 0.000 ** highly significant, which suggests that Bach flower remedies are effective in managing cases of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

CONCLUSION:

After assessment of all the data obtained from 30 cases shows that among 38 Bach flower remedies, in which impatiens, mimulus, larch, rockrose, rescue remedy, and red chestnut, are frequently needed in GAD patients. It also shows most frequent psychological emotions include fear, uncertainty, despondency, and despair were main turmoil for causing GAD, Insufficient interest in present circumstances, Rescue condition, loneliness comes in next line of predominance of causing GAD. It is found to be selection of remedies are unique for each individual we cannot generalize specific combinations for specific psychological diseases as every individual emotion, thought process, perception, are unique in and out. Hence, Bach Flower Remedies produced significant effect in treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This study is a beginning to explore the study of Bach Flower Remedies. The Results were supportive to open new paths for future studies on BFR. These Remedies work well alongside of all forms of treatments and as a helping aid in the hands of any therapists.