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Emotional Freedom Techniques for Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review.
Seong Hun Choi1, Soo-Hyun Sung2, Gihyun Lee3
1Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Korean Medicine, Daeggu Haany University, Gyeongsan 38610, Republic of Korea.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 13, 2025
Summary
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) show promise in reducing anxiety symptoms, performing similarly to or better than some therapies. More high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings for anxiety disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Anxiety disorders represent a significant global health burden.
- Evaluating novel therapeutic interventions for anxiety is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy and safety of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for anxiety disorders.
- To compare EFT with conventional and alternative therapies.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across nine databases up to February 2025.
- Included were parallel-group randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of EFT as a standalone intervention for anxiety.
- Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool.
Main Results:
- Seven RCTs with 506 participants were analyzed.
- EFT significantly reduced anxiety symptoms compared to no intervention.
- EFT showed comparable or superior effects to breathing therapy and muscle relaxation, but not cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Conclusions:
- EFT is a potentially safe and effective complementary therapy for anxiety symptom reduction.
- Methodological limitations and study heterogeneity necessitate cautious interpretation.
- High-quality RCTs with objective measures are required to validate EFT's efficacy and role alongside conventional treatments.
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