Alternative Therapies for Anxiety and Depression in College Students

Overseen By Natalie Lecy, Phd

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of South Dakota

Disqualifiers: Not in college, No travel, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 3 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores new ways to help college students manage anxiety and depression. Researchers aim to determine if alternative treatments like external qigong (a form of energy healing), mindfulness meditation, or psychoeducation (educational therapy) can reduce symptoms and help students remain in school. Participants will join one of these three groups and receive sessions or materials once a week for three weeks. College students who feel anxious or depressed and can travel to the study location might be a good fit. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for students to explore innovative treatments and contribute to valuable research.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that both External Qigong and Mindfulness Meditation are generally safe for managing anxiety and depression. Studies on Qigong indicate it is usually well-tolerated, with only a few reported side effects. Although rare, some cases have linked Qigong to serious mental health issues, so monitoring for unusual symptoms is important. Mindfulness Meditation is also considered safe, with few risks reported. While both practices are mostly safe, individual experiences can vary, so monitoring any changes in mental or physical health is advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about these treatments for anxiety and depression because they offer unique approaches that differ from standard medications like SSRIs and SNRIs. External Qigong and Mindfulness Meditation provide non-pharmacological options that emphasize personal engagement and self-awareness, potentially reducing the side effects associated with traditional medications. Qigong focuses on energy flow and relaxation, which can be appealing to those looking for holistic methods, while Mindfulness Meditation encourages present-moment awareness, which can help manage stress and negative thoughts. Psychoeducation, delivered through accessible online recordings, empowers individuals with knowledge and coping strategies, making it a proactive complement to other treatments. These approaches could offer more personalized and manageable alternatives for college students seeking mental health support.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for anxiety and depression?

This trial will compare the effects of different alternative therapies for anxiety and depression in college students. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation, one of the therapies tested in this trial, can improve mental health in college students. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing sleep and social connections. A review of studies found that most reported a significant drop in anxiety and stress with mindfulness.

External qigong, another therapy under study, lacks strong evidence for its benefits in treating anxiety. Some studies suggest it might help with depression, but solid proof is insufficient.

Psychoeducation, the third therapy tested, involves learning about mental health and can help manage anxiety and depression, although specific data from this trial is not yet available. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Natalie Lecy, PhD

Principal Investigator

Assistant Professor

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for college students over 18 who are experiencing anxiety or depression. They must be enrolled in college, speak English, willing to travel to the study site, and have internet access. Participants need a score of at least three on specific anxiety and depression questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria

Score of a three or higher on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item and/or score of a three or higher on the Patient Health Questionnaire-2

Currently enrolled in a two or four-year college

I am willing to travel to the study location.

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot travel to the study location.

I do not have a computer or smartphone with Wifi.

Not currently enrolled in college

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive one of three interventions: external qigong, mindfulness meditation, or psychoeducation, for 30 minutes once a week for three weeks

3 weeks

3 visits (in-person for EQ and MM, virtual for PE)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in anxiety, depression, and intention to persist in college

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• External Qigong
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Psychoeducation

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of external qigong, mindfulness meditation, and psychoeducation as treatments for anxiety and depression in college students. It's a randomized control trial where participants are assigned to one of these interventions by chance.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Mindfulness Meditation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will meet individually with the mindfulness practitioner once a week for three weeks for 30-minute segments.

Group II: External Qigong Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will meet individually with the Qigong practitioner once a week for three weeks for 30-minute segments.

Group III: Psychoeducation Active Control 1 Intervention

In the psychoeducation arm, participants will receive recordings online, once a week for three weeks which will be approximately 30 minutes in length.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of South Dakota

Lead Sponsor

Trials

16

Recruited

2,000+

Subtle Energy Funders Collective

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

50+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3671670/

The Effect of Qigong on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Available evidence did not suggest a beneficial effect of qigong exercise on anxiety symptoms. Conclusion. Qigong may be potentially beneficial for management ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06013930

Exploring the Efficacy of Treatments for Anxiety and ... The goal of this randomized control group is to learn about effective treatments for college students experiencing anxiety and/or depression.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6221622/

The effect of Imaginary Working Qigong on ... In this study protocol, we will systematically examine the feasibility and acceptability of Imaginary Working Qigong on psychological outcomes of the college ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004223011033

An RCT-reticulated meta-analysis of six MBE therapies ... This study compared the effects of six mind-body exercise (MBE) therapies on improving negative psychological symptoms in college students.

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1536295/pdf

Effect of exercise intervention on anxiety among college ... The meta-analysis demonstrated a large significant effect of exercise interventions on anxiety reduction among college students. (d = −0.83, 95% ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3557628/

The Effects of Qigong on Anxiety, Depression, and ... Generally, Qigong practices are considered safe, and there have been few published adverse events [2, 4]. While Qigong induced psychosis has been reported The ...

7. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00820/full

The Neurophysiological and Psychological Mechanisms of ... This review shows that qigong is effective in reducing depression through activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

8. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2013/716094

The Effect of Qigong on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms ... The results of meta-analyses suggested a beneficial effect of qigong exercise on depressive symptoms when compared to waiting-list controls or usual care only.

9. psychiatryonline.org psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.focus.20170042

Qigong and Tai-Chi for Mood Regulation | Focus Qigong and Tai-Chi have been shown to improve psychological well-being and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by altering the autonomic system and ...