Korean J Hosp Palliat Care.
2012 Jun;15(2):68-76.
Effects of Aromatherapy on Depression, Anxiety and the Autonomic Nervous System in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Radiotherapy
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Nursing, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
- 2College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. ysyoo@catholic.ac.kr
- 3Department of Neurology, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 4Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
- PURPOSE
The study was designed to verify effects of aromatherapy on depression, anxiety and the autonomic nervous system in breast cancer patients who are undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy.
METHODS
Data were collected from November 2006 through March 2007 at the C university hospital in Seoul. The study included 33 patients and they were assigned to three groups. Group I had aroma oil inhalation for 2 minutes per time, three times a day for six weeks whereas Group II and a control group inhaled aroma oil for 2 minutes per time, once a day for six weeks. For Groups I and II, a mixture of lemon, lavender, rosewood and rose essential oils were used while control group inhaled tea tree oil.
RESULTS
Depression was significantly decreased in patients in the experimental groups only. In Groups I and II patients, anxiety level was lower than that in control patients. Patients in Groups I and II also showed stronger physical resistance to stress than control group patients.
CONCLUSION
Aromatherapy should be considered as a method that can significantly decrease depression in breast cancer patients who are undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy.
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