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KMID : 0856920120150020068
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Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
2012 Volume.15 No. 2 p.68 ~ p.75
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Effects of Aromatherapy on Depression, Anxiety and the Autonomic Nervous System in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Radiotherapy
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Yun Sun-Hee
Cha Jung-Hee
Yoo Yang-Sook
Kim Yeong-In
Chung Su-Mi
Jeong Hea-Lim
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Abstract
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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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KEYWORD
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Breast neoplasms, Aromatherapy, Depression, Anxiety, Autonomic nervous system
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