The effect of Benson relaxation method on anxiety in the emergency care

Abstract

Objective: To analyze clinical and sociodemographic properties of the patients as measured by the "Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-HADS"including the subscale regarding anxiety (HAD-A) in emergency department (ED) and to detect the effect of a session of Benson relaxation method (BRM) on high anxiety level. Methods: Adult patients presented to the state hospital ED in seven days were recruited in this prospective study. Patients with high (≥8) scores were randomized to the treatment or control groups. They were asked to pursue BRM to alleviate anxiety. Results: Six hundred thirty-four patients were recruited (mean age 44.1 and 52% were female). Patients with acute exacerbation or with psychiatric illness, with a systemic disease and higher acuity level had higher HAD-A scores (P