Benson relaxation technique for perioperative anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients undergoing brain tumor surgery: a clinical trial.
Verbatim Formal Study Abstract
Patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumors confront psychophysiological crisis. Managing perioperative distress poses a clinical paradox, as standard pharmacological sedatives are carefully restricted based on neurological status and institutional protocols to avoid masking critical postoperative neurological signs. This study investigated the efficacy of the Benson relaxation technique (BRT), a nonpharmacological mind-body intervention, on perioperative anxiety and depressive symptoms in this vulnerable population.
In this clinical trial, out of 84 patients assessed for eligibility, 74 eligible patients undergoing brain tumor resection were allocated to either the BRT intervention group (n = 37) or the control group (n = 37). The intervention group completed supervised BRT sessions (muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, and word repetition) on the evening of ICU admission, 60 min preoperatively, and 24 h postoperatively. Both groups received routine care, and anxiety and depressive symptoms were evaluated at identical time points (baseline on the evening of ICU admission prior to the intervention, 30 min preoperatively, and 24 h postoperatively). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Seventy patients completed the trial (35 per group). At 24 h postoperatively, ANCOVA adjusted for baseline scores showed that the BRT group had significantly lower anxiety scores compared to the control group, with an adjusted mean difference of - 4.16 points (95% CI, - 5.40 to - 2.93; P < 0.001). Regarding depressive symptoms, baseline scores were below the threshold for clinically significant symptoms (HADS-D < 8) in both cohorts; however, at 24 h postoperatively, the BRT group had significantly lower adjusted depressive symptom scores than the control group, with an adjusted mean difference of - 2.32 points (95% CI, - 3.51 to - 1.12; P < 0.001), indicating a preventive effect against postoperative reactive depressive symptoms.
The Benson relaxation technique is a safe, feasible, and well-tolerated nurse-led mind-body strategy that effectively mitigates perioperative anxiety and reduces postoperative depressive symptoms without adverse events. These findings support integrating structured nonpharmacological modalities into neurosurgical care.