Neuropsychologist Dr. Feinstein proves that floating strongly reduces anxiety and stress
The Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) is excited to announce the PLoS One publication of the 1st float study ever conducted in patients suffering from both anxiety and depression.
The Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) is excited to announce the PLoS One publication of the 1st float study ever conducted in patients suffering from both anxiety and depression.
This open-label trial from Dr. Justin Feinstein's Float Clinic and Research Center at LIBR in 50 patients provides an initial proof-of-principle study showing that 1-hour of float therapy can provide significant short-term relief from symptoms of stress and anxiety across a range of different conditions including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
More than resolving symptoms of mental illness, the experience greatly enhanced mental wellness, leaving patients in a peaceful serene state afterwards. This mood-enhancing effect of floatation was especially notable given that most of the patients had comorbid depression.
It is important to emphasize that this was an open-label study examining the short-term effects of floating. We are now tracking the time course of these effects as well as studying whether or not there is evidence for long-term benefit following repeated practice.