Abstract

Importance: Anxiety is rising among young adults, making it essential to identify the most

effective treatment for managing symptoms.

Objective: This research evaluates whether meditation is as effective as medication in reducing

anxiety, comparing symptom reduction, relapse rates, and side effects. It also examines whether

a combined approach offers a more balanced, long-term solution.

Methods: All studies included in this review were published between 2014 and 2025. Data was

collected from PubMed, PMC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar, selecting studies

using validated anxiety scales (GAD-7, HAM-A, BAI) with interventions lasting at least four

weeks and follow-ups up to five years.

Results: Meditation reduced anxiety by 58%, improving to 70-80% reduction by 12 months.

SSRIs lowered GAD-7 by 30-50% in 4-6 weeks (65% by week 12), while benzodiazepines

provided 75-90% relief but declined over time. Relapse rates were 55% for SSRIs, 75% for

benzodiazepines, and 20% for meditation, while a combined approach reduced relapse to 30%.

SSRIs caused nausea in 50%, weight gain in 40%, and sexual dysfunction in 30%, while

benzodiazepines had a 70% dependency risk. Meditation had no physical side effects.

Conclusion: Overall, a combination treatment—starting with short-term medication for immediate

relief while incorporating meditation for long-term resilience—is the most effective approach.

Future research should focus on integrating meditation into conventional medical treatments for

sustainable anxiety management.