A pilot randomized trial assessing the effects of autogenic training in early stage cancer patients in relation to psychological status and immune system responses.
Autogenic training (AT) is a type of meditation usually used for reducing stress. This pilot study describes how AT was used on a group of early stage cancer patients and the observed effect on stress-related behaviours and immune system responses. This was a randomized trial with 31 early stage breast cancer women, having received a lumpectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy. The women were randomized into two groups. Group 1 received a home visit only. Group 2 received a home visit and 2 months' weekly Autogenic training. At the beginning and end of the 2 monthly periods, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and T and B cell markers were measured to give an indication of changes in immune system responses and measurement of anxiety and depression. At the end of the study, HADS scores and T and B cell markers remained similar in the women who did not receive AT. The women receiving AT showed a strong statistical difference for an improvement in their HADS scores and those women observed in a meditative state as opposed to a relaxed state were found to have an increase in their immune responses. This study suggests AT as a powerful self-help therapy.
Hidderley
Margaret
M
Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. margaret.hidderley@sdah-tr.trent.nhs.uk
Holt
Martin
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control; D001326:Autogenic Training; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects