Effectiveness of a 4-week sophrology program for primary care patients with moderate to high anxiety levels: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of an intensive four-week structured group relaxation-training program (sophrology's dynamic relaxation) on anxiety and depression symptoms in primary care patients with moderate and high anxiety levels. Method: In an experimental study, seventy patients, according to the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale - Anxiety subscale (HADS-A), cut-off > 8, were randomized to the “well-being and sophrology” or a control program based on physical and mental health recommendations (PMHR). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the State-trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) ratings were obtained before and after 12 one-hour sessions for 4 consecutive weeks. Results: Sixty-five patients completed the study. The dropout rate was 2.9 % (N=1) for the intervention group and 11.4% (N=4) for the control group. Sophrology showed statistically significant improvements in all HADS and STAI subscales for with-in group (p<0.001) and between groups analysis (p=0.001 to 0.046), regardless of gender or age. The pre-post effect sizes (Cohen's d) for anxiety and depression symptoms were large for sophrology (ES=0.84 to 1.36) and small to moderate for the control (ES=0.28 to 0.49). Conclusion: An intensive four-week structured group relaxation-training program “well-being and sophrology” is highly effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in primary care patients with moderate and high anxiety levels.