Improvements in Anxiety and Suicidal Inclinations in a Young Girl Undergoing Chiropractic

The Asia-Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study on June 27, 2024, that documented the dramatic improvement with chiropractic of a young girl who was suffering with severe anxiety, and who had suicidal inclinations.

The authors of this study begin by noting how common mental health issues are in the adolescent population, and why chiropractic can play an important role. "Current statistics indicate that one in seven adolescents aged between 10 and 17 suffer from a mental health condition, and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. This statistic alone provides a solid impetus to understand how Chiropractic care may support adolescents undergoing mental health challenges or distress."

In this case, a 14-year-old girl was brought to the chiropractor for the first time to see if she could be helped with her severe anxiety disorder with suicidal ideation. The girl was initially diagnosed with anxiety at the age of five. When she reached puberty, she began having suicidal thoughts. The girl also suffered with developmental apraxia, a condition which makes it difficult and frustrating to speak. The girl was also having trouble in school and had been mandated to enroll in counselling since the fifth grade.

A chiropractic examination was performed which determined the presence of vertebral subluxations and ligament instability in her neck. Due to the girl's severe anxiety and fear of being touched, an intensive course of light-force chiropractic care was chosen where the girl would receive a high number of gentle chiropractic adjustments concentrated into a five-day period. The care was focused toward correcting the underlying subluxations that were determined to be present.

The results of the chiropractic care were profoundly positive. Approximately four weeks following her week-long chiropractic program, the girl had the opportunity to address her parents and church congregation. From the stage, the young girl told the congregation that she no longer had any urges or inclinations to end her life.

The girl's mother also reported significant decreases in her daughter's anxiety. The mother noted that her daughter could now participate in normal activities, such as talking and socializing with adults as well as assisting in her church's daycare program. Her mother reported significantly fewer mood swings and that her daughter was sleeping much better. The girl had also lost her fear of having any physical contact with another person.

In the discussion of the results of this case the authors added perspective by stating, "This case adds to the growing body of case report evidence supporting Chiropractic care's positive mental health impact. The patient received 104 specific and gentle Chiropractic adjustments focused on correcting subluxation in the spine to enhance the overall function of the central nervous system."