Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic and disabling mental health condition marked by excessive and persistent worry affecting functionality and quality of life. While pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy remain the primary treatments, limitations such as side effects, partial response, relapse, and patient reluctance highlight the need for integrative approaches. Emerging evidence suggests that mind-body interventions, herbal formulations, yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, diet & lifestyle practices, and Ayurveda-based protocols may offer meaningful benefits. Objective: To systematically map and summarize emerging scientific evidence on integrative approaches for GAD, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies and mechanistic literature. Methodology:

Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central were searched from inception to January 2025 using predefined keywords related to “integrative medicine,” “Ayurveda,” “yoga,” “mind-body therapy,” “herbal medicine,” and “generalized anxiety disorder.” The PRISMA-ScR guideline was followed. Studies involving adults diagnosed with GAD and evaluating integrative interventions were included. Data were charted narratively due to heterogeneity. Results: A total of 27 studies met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 12 RCTs, 7 quasi-experimental studies, and 8 observational or mechanistic papers. Interventions included yoga-based programs, breathing techniques, mindfulness meditation, Ayurvedic formulations (Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Jatamansi), Panchakarma-based protocols, dietary interventions, acupuncture, and integrative lifestyle modules. Most studies reported reductions in GAD scores assessed by HAM-A, GAD-7, and STAI. Ashwagandha and yoga-based interventions demonstrated the most consistent benefit across RCTs. Conclusion:

Integrative therapies - especially Ashwagandha, yoga, pranayama, mindfulness, and multimodal Ayurvedic protocols - show promise as safe and effective adjuncts in GAD management. Despite encouraging findings, limitations include small sample sizes, lack of standardization, heterogeneous protocols, and short follow-ups. High-quality multicentric RCTs with standardized outcome measures are needed to establish clinical guidelines.

Keywords: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Ayurveda, Yoga, Mind-Body Interventions, Integrative Medicine, Anxiety, Scoping Review