Snoezelen to Promote Improved Emotional Status in Stroke Caused by Defoliat Exposure in the Vietnam War: Case Study

Abstract

Objectives: The effects of snoezelen-based therapy on emotional status were investigated in Vietnam War veterans with brain injury suspected to be caused by defoliant exposure. Methods: A single subject A-B-A’-B’ experimental design was used to determine the effects of snoezelen-based therapy. Results: A pegboard test to examine physical changes in a psychologically stable state, showed a decrease in measured time required from pegboard test. In the present study, which used an A-B-A’-B’ research design, the first test showed that the snoezelen reduced tension-anxiety, anger-hostility and depression-dejection while the second test showed similar effects, except for fatigue-inertia and confusion-bewilderment. Conclusion: Snoezelen therapy had a positive effect on emotional stability and cognitive ability in a patient with emotional instability due to combat experience in the Vietnam War and with stroke caused by defoliant exposure.