Benson relaxation technique for perioperative anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients undergoing brain tumor surgery: a clinical trial.
Nayereh Habibi, Reza Norouzadeh, Nasrin Alaee
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated supervised Benson relaxation technique (BRT) sessions for perioperative anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients undergoing brain tumor resection. Seventy patients completed the trial, with 35 in each group. At 24 hours postoperatively, baseline-adjusted anxiety scores were lower with BRT than routine care (adjusted mean difference, -4.16 points; 95% CI, -5.40 to -2.93; P < 0.001). Adjusted depressive symptom scores were also lower (-2.32 points; 95% CI, -3.51 to -1.12; P < 0.001), although baseline scores in both groups were below the threshold for clinically significant symptoms.
Key findings
- At 24 hours postoperatively, adjusted anxiety scores were lower with BRT by -4.16 points (95% CI, -5.40 to -2.93; P < 0.001).
- Adjusted depressive symptom scores were lower with BRT by -2.32 points (95% CI, -3.51 to -1.12; P < 0.001); baseline scores were below the clinical threshold in both groups.
- Seventy patients completed the trial, 35 per group; the abstract reports no adverse events.
Why it matters
Perioperative sedatives may be restricted when neurological assessment is important. This trial suggests a structured, nonpharmacological relaxation intervention may reduce short-term anxiety and depressive symptom scores after brain tumor surgery. The depressive symptom result should be interpreted in light of participants’ below-threshold baseline scores and the short postoperative assessment period.
What to keep in mind
The reported outcomes were assessed only through 24 hours postoperatively, and baseline depressive symptom scores were below the threshold for clinically significant symptoms in both groups.