Emotional Freedom Techniques for Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for anxiety disorders, compared with conventional and alternative therapies.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across nine electronic databases up to February 2025, including only parallel-group randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated EFT as a standalone intervention for anxiety symptoms. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs with 506 participants were included. Populations ranged from clinical to non-clinical groups. EFT interventions varied in duration (1-56 sessions), with control groups including no treatment, supportive interviews, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), breathing therapy, and progressive muscle relaxation. All six studies comparing EFT to no intervention reported significant reductions in anxiety symptoms in favor of EFT. Compared to active controls, EFT showed similar or superior effects to breathing therapy and muscle relaxation but no significant difference from CBT. Most studies showed "some concerns" in risk of bias, mainly due to self-reported outcomes and lack of blinding.

CONCLUSIONS

EFT appears to be a promising and safe complementary intervention for reducing anxiety symptoms, with additional benefits for related psychological outcomes. However, methodological limitations and heterogeneity among studies preclude firm conclusions. High-quality RCTs using standardized protocols and objective outcome measures are warranted to confirm these findings and to explore the effectiveness of EFT as an adjunct to conventional therapies.