The Effects of Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Depression in People With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundAnxiety and depression are highly prevalent in people with cancer. Medical therapies are usually prescribed to alleviate anxiety and depression, but they are associated with a variety of adverse effects. Recently, aromatherapy showed potential as a complementary medicine to improve psychological health and wellbeing. However, its effectiveness on relieving anxiety and depression has not been established.ObjectiveThis study explored the beneficial effects of aromatherapy on psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression in people with cancer.MethodsWe searched international databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Ebscohost, ProQuest and Scopus from inception to 31 May 2021. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. The systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Quantitative analysis was performed on the studies that met our inclusion criteria, and Meta-analysis was performed on the studies with available data by RevMan software.ResultsThe quality of the literatures were assessed carefully by two researchers, a total of 17 studies were included in the systematic review and 10 articles were conducted in meta-analysis. The aromatherapy was effective in relieving anxiety (SMD = −0.49, p < 0.05) in people with cancer. Subgroup analysis suggested that most effective methods were aromatic massage (SMD = −0.70, p < 0.005), aromatherapy with lavender essential oils (SMD = −1.12, p < 0.01), short-time interventions (duration < 4weeks) (SMD = −0.87, p < 0.05) and studies in Asia (SMD = −0.83, p < 0.05). Regarding depression and psychological wellbeing, there were no difference between aromatherapy and control groups.ConclusionIn cancer patients, the aromatherapy was effective for relieving anxiety. However, there was no beneficial effect on depression and psychological wellbeing.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021272465.

The Effects of Essential Oil and Massage on Patients’ Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. An Observational Study

“…If the results obtained from this study are compared to scientific evidence already available in the current literature, the use of Melissa Officinalis essential oil applied through a massage has a positive effect both on the agitation levels (Wilkinson et al, 2007;Li et al, 2022) and above all on the levels of the quality of life, as shown in various studies in patients affected by moderate to severe Alzheimer's. The results obtained from this experiment are, therefore, in line with the study by Ballard et al, carried out in 2002(Ballard et al, 2002Watson et al, 2019) and with the study by Burns et al, carried out in 2011(Burns et al, 2011.…”

Psychological aspects of rehabilitation nutrition: A position paper by the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition (secondary publication)

“…Laughter (laughter therapy, laughter yoga) and humor interventions have been useful in improving depression, anxiety, and sleep quality 99,100 . Aromatherapy for cancer patients was useful in improving anxiety, but its effects on depression are controversial 101,102 . Lavender was useful for depression and anxiety 103 .…”

“… 99 , 100 Aromatherapy for cancer patients was useful in improving anxiety, but its effects on depression are controversial. 101 , 102 Lavender was useful for depression and anxiety. 103 A video game intervention was useful for improving depressive symptoms.…”

Aromatherapy with inhalation effectively alleviates the test anxiety of college students: A meta-analysis

“…It uses pure natural essential oils taken from plants, which can have a beneficial effect on the body and mind (Brennan et al, 2022). It has been found to reduce anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions to efficiently improve physical and mental comfort (Li et al, 2022). Aromatherapy regulates mood by connecting olfaction and the limbic system to stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin (Liu et al, 2022).…”