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Effects of Aromatherapy on Depression, Anxiety and the Autonomic Nervous System in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Radiotherapy  

Yun, Sun-Hee (Department of Nursing, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea)
Cha, Jung-Hee (College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea)
Yoo, Yang-Sook (College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea)
Kim, Yeong-In (Department of Neurology, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine)
Chung, Su-Mi (Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine)
Jeong, Hea-Lim (Department of Nursing, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea)
Publication Information
Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care / v.15, no.2, 2012 , pp. 68-76 More about this Journal
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.
Keywords
Breast neoplasms; Aromatherapy; Depression; Anxiety; Autonomic nervous system;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 1  (Citation Analysis)
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