Relaxation and imagery in the treatment of breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To see whether stress could be alleviated in patients being treated for early breast cancer.


METHODS
Controlled randomised trial lasting six weeks.


METHODS
Outpatient radiotherapy department in a teaching hospital.


METHODS
One hundred fifty four women with breast cancer stage I or II after first session of six week course of radiotherapy, of whom 15 dropped out before end of study.


METHODS
Patients saw one of two researchers once a week for six weeks. Controls were encouraged to talk about themselves; relaxation group was taught concentration on individual muscle groups; relaxation and imagery group was also taught to imagine peaceful scene of own choice to enhance relaxation. Relaxation and relaxation plus imagery groups were given tape recording repeating instructions and told to practise at least 15 minutes a day.


METHODS
Improvement of mood and of depression and anxiety on self rating scales.


RESULTS
Initial scores for profile of mood states and Leeds general scales for depression and anxiety were the same in all groups. At six weeks total mood disturbance score was significantly less in the intervention groups, women in the combined intervention group being more relaxed than those receiving relaxation training only; mood in the control group was worse. Women aged 55 and over benefited most. There was no difference in Leeds scores among the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with early breast cancer benefit from relaxation training.
Bridge
L R
LR
Academic Department of Psychiatry, St. Mary's Hospital, London.
Benson
P
P
Pietroni
P C
PC
Priest
R G
RG
D000339:Affect; D000367:Age Factors; D000786:Anger; D001007:Anxiety; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*