The ToT Study: Helping with Touch or Talk (ToT): a pilot randomised controlled trial to examine the clinical effectiveness of aromatherapy massage versus cognitive behaviour therapy for emotional distress in patients in cancer/palliative care

Abstract

Distress associated with cancer often presents with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective psychological treatments. Complementary therapies, especially aromatherapy massage (AM), are also popular and alleviate anxiety. No studies have directly compared these two treatments.Aims: The aim of this study is to (1) test the feasibility of recruitment into a randomised controlled trial of AM versus CBT in patients with cancer; (2) test and modify the intervention; (3) determine whether changes in outcomes were consistent with published data.Methods: Patients at all stages of cancer, recruited from oncology outpatient clinics and screening eight or more for anxiety and/or depression on the HADS, were randomised to Treatment as Usual (TAU) plus up to eight sessions weekly of either AM or CBT, offered within 3 months. The POMS was collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months post baseline.Results: Of those suitable, over 60% (39/63) participated (AM, n 5 20; CBT, n 5 19) and over 90% (36/39) were followed up. Both packages were well received. The preference was for AM, with more sessions were taken up; (Mean number sessions AM 5 7.2 (SD 2.0) and CBT 5 5.4 (SD 3.1); Po0.05). Significant improvements in POMS (Total Mood, depression and anxiety scores) occurred with both interventions. Between-group comparison showed a nonsignificant trend towards greater improvement in depression with CBT.Conclusions: Recruitment was feasible; the interventions acceptable and engagement with treatment was high. Improvements with both interventions were observed. The beneficial effects on depression with CBT appeared to be sustained.

Eternal Spirituality: An Outstanding Aspect of Iranian Islamic Traditional Medicine

“…Moreover, the therapist has a determinant role to prepare a proper spiritual condition for the patient. A therapist who does not have a good spiritual state could not be successful during the treatment process [14,[35][36][37][38][39][40][41]. Also, as we mentioned, the high dignity of the spirit, according to Islamic doctrine, is attributed to the sincere faith in God.…”

Update on Research-Based Interventions for Anxiety in Patients With Cancer

“…Cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions: These approaches included activities such as relaxation training, goal setting, problem solving, education, peer communication, guided imagery, and physical activity, which showed mixed results for decreases in anxiety for individuals (Arving et al, 2007;Greer et al, 2011Greer et al, , 2012Hopko et al, 2011;Kangas, Milross, Taylor, & Bryant, 2013;Pitceathly et al, 2009;Serfaty, Wilkinson, Freeman, Mannix, & King, 2012), in group settings (Ames et al, 2011;Boesen et al, 2011;Dolbeault et al, 2009;Korstjens et al, 2011), and in one group within a videoconferencing setting (Shepherd et al, 2006). Significant improvement in anxiety with cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions also were found in two meta-analyses (Naaman, Radwan, Fergusson, & Johnson, 2009;Osborn, Demoncada, & Feuerstein, 2006).…”

Aromaterapia E Ansiedade: Revisão Integrativa Da Literatura

“…Por fim, os resultados para a redução dos níveis de ansiedade nesta população apresentaram fracas evidências científicas. [15][16][17]32 Quanto aos métodos e as escalas utilizadas para a análise dos desfechos nos estudos experimentais e quase-experimentais, os mais utilizados foram a mensuração da frequência cardíaca 18,19 , concentrações salivares de cortisol 20,21 , IDATE [19][20][21][23][24][25][26] e EVA. 19,21,27,31 Dentre esses métodos de mensuração, as escalas de avaliação psicológica (IDATE e EVA) foram as mais comumente utilizadas e ainda, aquelas que mais demonstraram resultados estatisticamente significativos nestes estudos, com ênfase para o IDATE.…”

“…Apenas um estudo abrangeu a interpretação de sinais não verbais que evidenciaram melhora no estado de bem-estar do paciente 18 e outro que, superficialmente, discutiu o relacionamento terapeuta-paciente como um viés nos resultados do estudo. 16 A relação terapeuta--paciente e a comunicação nesta interface são parâmetros inquestionáveis das práticas integrativas e complementares em saúde por constituírem seus pressupostos epistemológicos. A comunicação terapêutica é uma competência voltada para ajudar o outro em seu processo de autoconhecimento, além disso, sua utilização consciente e planejada pelo profissional de saúde possibilita a prática de um cuidado baseado na cientificidade e humanização.…”