Anxiety Disorder

Korean traditional medicine treatment for anxiety disorders consists of four stages. Stage 1 (1–2 weeks): The direction and goals of treatment are established through an initial consultation, differential diagnosis, and a review of the psychiatric diagnosis report. Stage 2 (1–2 months): Depending on the type of liver qi stagnation or heart and gallbladder deficiency, herbal medicines are prescribed to relieve stuffiness by releasing qi circulation or to soothe anxiety and palpitations, and the response is checked at 2-week intervals. Stage 3 (2–3 months): Once sleep and physical symptoms stabilize, acupuncture treatment (inner wrist, instep, and crown) is added to strengthen autonomic nervous system regulation. Step 4 (After 3 months): After HAMA re-evaluation, we switch to a maintenance prescription or review the termination of treatment. At Dongjedang, we set specific treatment goals together with the patient. We establish measurable goals, such as shortening the time it takes to fall asleep and reducing the number of daily anxiety peaks, and share progress at every visit. The clearer the treatment goals, the higher the adherence and treatment efficacy.