Introduction: The adult population often experiences symptoms of anxiety and stress, requiring interventions to prevent dysfunction during activities of daily living. Research has addressed the sustainability and effectiveness of pharmacological methods to manage symptoms of anxiety and stress while acknowledging the adverse effects associated with medication treatment. Other research has highlighted various nonpharmacological methods to manage symptoms of anxiety and stress through holistic interventions that pose minimal to no risks. Sustainability and effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions are being explored as alternative treatment and in conjunction with pharmacological interventions. Nonpharmacological interventions as alternatives to pharmacological interventions are safter for those unable to maintain medication treatment related to adverse effects and physiological functioning, but also allows reduced dosing for those requiring medication treatment. Nonpharmacological alternatives are also beneficial for those who struggle to maintain medication compliance. Purpose: To discover if nonpharmacological methods are more sustainable and/or effective than pharmacological methods for treating symptoms of anxiety and stress in the adult population. Methods: This study uses a descriptive, quantitative design by utilizing surveys with questionnaires to obtain data from individuals that experience symptoms of anxiety and stress. The data retrieved will be based on each participant’s perception of their symptoms and how their symptoms respond to nonpharmacological and/or pharmacological interventions used. Conclusion: Pharmacological methods are effective with questionable sustainability related to tolerance, dependence, compliance, and adverse effects. Nonpharmacological methods are effective and sustainable when used. More research is required to comprehensively compare sustainability and effectiveness of nonpharmacological methods with pharmacological methods.

Keywords: nonpharmacological interventions, pharmacological interventions, anxiolytic tolerance, adult anxiety, adult stress