# Anxiety ## Anxiety ## Can Primitive Reflex Integration Help Reduce Anxiety? Rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration may help with [anxiety](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=634 "Learn about the sensory-anxiety connection and how reflex integration can help") because they are calming and regulating for the brain and body. These innate neurodevelopmental movements can release the nervous system from fight-flight or freeze states, helping to turn around social anxiety, phobias, separation anxiety, sleep challenges, and more. *All case studies are written by students of the [Brain and Sensory Foundations First Level course](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "Training in primitive reflex integration and rhythmic movement").* [ ![Smiling boy writing. 8-year-old: better legibility, no longer avoids writing tasks](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_CaSz_L.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-adhd-benefits-from-reflex-integration) ### [ Boy with ADHD Benefits from Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-adhd-benefits-from-reflex-integration) [ ![Before and After handwriting samples. The Before version shows character of varying size and weight, and several characters are backward. The After photo shows tidy printing of uniform size and weight, with all characters oriented correctly. Text: 10-year-old no longer complaiing about writing! Improvements after 8 sessions.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MO_R.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/writing-is-more-comfortable-and-accurate-with-reflex-integration) ### [ Writing Is More Comfortable and Accurate with Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/writing-is-more-comfortable-and-accurate-with-reflex-integration) [ ![Boy wearing backpack with back to the camera. Text: "I learned how impactful an unintegrated reflex can be"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_TiKa_H.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/better-regulation-fewer-meltdowns-and-less-aggression-after-reflex-integration) ### [ Better Regulation, Fewer Meltdowns, and Less Aggression after Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/better-regulation-fewer-meltdowns-and-less-aggression-after-reflex-integration) [ ![Young girl running toward camera](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ChWO_SY.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-helps-with-underlying-anxiety-balance-and-coordination-issues) ### [ Reflex Integration Helps with Underlying Anxiety, Balance, and Coordination Issues ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-helps-with-underlying-anxiety-balance-and-coordination-issues) [ ![Young adult man biting his nails. Text: Goal-setting tool helps young man shed life-long anxious habit—in one month!](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_JeDu_A.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/nail-biting-stops-after-neurodevelopmental-movements) ### [ Nail Biting Stops after Neurodevelopmental Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/nail-biting-stops-after-neurodevelopmental-movements) [ ![Little girl peacefully sleeping. Text: Now sleeping independently.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ClCl_C.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/rhythmic-movements-help-7-year-old-sleep-through-the-night) ### [ Rhythmic Movements Help 7-Year-Old Sleep Through the Night ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/rhythmic-movements-help-7-year-old-sleep-through-the-night) [ ![Smiling young girl reading a book in class. Text: In 6 weeks, girl goes from avoiding reading to enjoying it.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ClCl_A.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reading-writing-and-regulation-improve-with-reflex-integration) ### [ Reading, Writing, and Regulation Improve with Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reading-writing-and-regulation-improve-with-reflex-integration) [ ![Laughing boy sitting on a bench. Text: 9-year-old's body unlocks: no longer stuck in upright fetal position.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_CD_PD.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-boy-can-sit-comfortably-after-reflex-integration) ### [ Autistic Boy Can Sit Comfortably after Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-boy-can-sit-comfortably-after-reflex-integration) [ ![Preteen boy happily running. Text: After reflex integration, boy says: "I feel like I can run forever"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_CrMi_A3.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-helps-preteen-with-low-muscle-tone) ### [ Reflex Integration Helps Preteen with Low Muscle Tone ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-helps-preteen-with-low-muscle-tone) [ ![Older gentleman smiling into camera. Text: Less stress; better posture, sleep, and mood.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_J_ANON2.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/primitive-reflex-integration-helps-ot-with-anxiety-and-pain) ### [ Primitive Reflex Integration Helps OT with Anxiety and Pain ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/primitive-reflex-integration-helps-ot-with-anxiety-and-pain) [ ![Two kindergarteners sitting together talking. Text: No more need for speech therapy!](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_CaEs_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/preschooler-overcomes-selective-mutism-with-reflex-integration) ### [ Preschooler Overcomes Selective Mutism with Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/preschooler-overcomes-selective-mutism-with-reflex-integration) [ ![Before and after drawrings showing how drawing skills became more confident and detailed over the course of 6 weekly sessions.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/Before_And_After_Gallery/BandA_GALL_LisaBrown.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/neurodevelopmental-movements-support-goal-achievement) ### [ Neurodevelopmental Movements Support Goal Achievement ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/neurodevelopmental-movements-support-goal-achievement) [ ![Smiling big sister hollding baby baby brother. Text: From hitting and biting to playing sweetly.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ChHo_S.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/behavior-balance-and-anxiety-transform-after-reflex-integration) ### [ Behavior, Balance, and Anxiety Transform after Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/behavior-balance-and-anxiety-transform-after-reflex-integration) [ ![Two boys chatting while walking down a school hallway. Text: 10-year-old overcomes extreme social anxiety, stuns OT](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_SP_EE.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-boy-unfreezes-with-reflex-integration-now-converses) ### [ Autistic Boy Unfreezes with Reflex Integration, Now Converses ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-boy-unfreezes-with-reflex-integration-now-converses) [ ![Two boys playing tag. Text: More spacial awareness and focus.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_SaSP_ANON%201.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/better-self-control-after-reflex-integration) ### [ Better Self-Control After Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/better-self-control-after-reflex-integration) [ ![Woman smiling. Text: Fewer migraines, better mood and confidence](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MaWe_Self2.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/neurodevelopmental-movements-ease-chronic-stress-and-anxiety) ### [ Neurodevelopmental Movements Ease Chronic Stress and Anxiety ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/neurodevelopmental-movements-ease-chronic-stress-and-anxiety) [ ![Teen girl communication via an assistive device. Text: Less hair pulling, more communication and ADL independence.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ChRe_G.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-teen-calmer-and-happier-after-reflex-integration) ### [ Autistic Teen Calmer and Happier after Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-teen-calmer-and-happier-after-reflex-integration) [ ![Smiling boy swimming underwater. Text: Boy can separate from mother after integrating reflexes.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LoRa_A.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/neurodevelopmental-movements-help-with-separation-anxiety) ### [ Neurodevelopmental Movements Help with Separation Anxiety ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/neurodevelopmental-movements-help-with-separation-anxiety) [ ![Family of 5 working in a garden. Text: Greater calm and ease with daily tasks and family interactions](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_SmMa_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-finds-neurodevelopmental-movements-beneficial-for-anxiety) ### [ OT Finds Neurodevelopmental Movements Beneficial for Anxiety ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-finds-neurodevelopmental-movements-beneficial-for-anxiety) [ ![Three teen girls chatting in a school hallway. Text: Social anxiety turnarounf for 12-year-old girl.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ChSi_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-leads-to-eye-contact-and-socializing) ### [ Reflex Integration Leads to Eye Contact and Socializing ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-leads-to-eye-contact-and-socializing) [ ![Two senior women smiling and chatting. Text: 68YO woman: from anxiety and overwhelm to "I've got this!"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_SuHa_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-uses-reflex-integration-to-improve-her-quality-of-life) ### [ Occupational Therapist Uses Reflex Integration to Improve Her Quality of Life ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-uses-reflex-integration-to-improve-her-quality-of-life) [ ![A group of girls laughing a chatting: Text From introvert to social butterfly--13-year-old girl.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_NaRo_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/from-introvert-to-social-butterfly-13-yr-old-girl) ### [ From Introvert to Social Butterfly-13 Yr Old Girl ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/from-introvert-to-social-butterfly-13-yr-old-girl) [ ![Three preteen boys chatting at school. Text: "Now I don't get annoyed by loud things...I'm a normal kid!" Links to case study titled, 11-Year-Old Boy with Sensory and Emotional Challenges is Transformed by Neurodevelopmental and Integrative Movements](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_SuLe_L.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/11-year-old-boy-with-sensory-and-emotional-challenges-is-transformed-by-neurodevelopmental-and-integrative-movements) ### [ 11-Year-Old Boy with Sensory and Emotional Challenges is Transformed by Neurodevelopmental and Integrative Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/11-year-old-boy-with-sensory-and-emotional-challenges-is-transformed-by-neurodevelopmental-and-integrative-movements) [ ![Two girls in scouting uniforms chatting in a text. Text: From violent meltdowns to calm, happy, and communicative.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AMSe_S.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-girl-with-selective-mutism-is-transformed-by-rhythmic-movements-and-primitive-reflex-integration) ### [ Young Girl with Selective Mutism Is Transformed by Rhythmic Movements and Primitive Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-girl-with-selective-mutism-is-transformed-by-rhythmic-movements-and-primitive-reflex-integration) [ ![Mom and son hugging. Text: Movement and play fosters a greater connection](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LN_ANON2.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/both-mom-and-son-make-progress-on-anxiety-and-sensory-issues) ### [ Both Mom and Son Make Progress on Anxiety and Sensory Issues ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/both-mom-and-son-make-progress-on-anxiety-and-sensory-issues) [ ![Young girls playing piano. Text: Mom empowers daughter to release self-doubt & meet difficult goals.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_SHAHa_I.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/frustrated-and-upset-young-girl-gets-a-new-way-to-take-the-stress-out-of-her-challenges) ### [ Frustrated and Upset Young Girl Gets a New Way to Take the Stress Out of Her Challenges ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/frustrated-and-upset-young-girl-gets-a-new-way-to-take-the-stress-out-of-her-challenges) [ ![Two women chatting on a couch. Text: 22-year-old overcomes social anxiety.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_JuSe02_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-woman-with-social-anxiety-and-sensory-issues-begins-serving-others) ### [ Young Woman with Social Anxiety and Sensory Issues Begins Serving Others ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-woman-with-social-anxiety-and-sensory-issues-begins-serving-others) [ ![Young girl looking into camera. Text: From defiance to “pleasant willingness” in 4 weeks.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MaDa02.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/defiance-greatly-reduced-in-8-year-old-with-anxiety-and-sensory-issues) ### [ Defiance Greatly Reduced in 8-Year-Old with Anxiety and Sensory Issues ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/defiance-greatly-reduced-in-8-year-old-with-anxiety-and-sensory-issues) [ ![Teen girl studying. Text: No more IEP in math!](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_DL_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/no-more-iep-in-math-for-6th-grade-girl) ### [ No More IEP in Math for 6th-Grade Girl! ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/no-more-iep-in-math-for-6th-grade-girl) [ ![Boy smiling into camera. Text: Boy stops toe walking.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ElCa_A.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/no-toe-walking-for-the-first-time-after-less-than-a-week-of-rhythmic-movements) ### [ No Toe Walking for the First Time after Less than a Week of Rhythmic Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/no-toe-walking-for-the-first-time-after-less-than-a-week-of-rhythmic-movements) Page 1 of 3 - - - 1 - [ 2 ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/anxiety?start=30) - [ 3 ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/anxiety?start=60) - [ ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/anxiety?start=30) - [ ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/anxiety?start=60)