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Characterizing the experiences of flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): A phenomenological study

Kristoffer Jonsson, Anette Kjellgren

European Journal of Integrative Medicine April 28, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2017.04.011 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative phenomenological study Peer reviewed
Sample size 9
Population Adults with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as defined by self-report measures
Intervention Flotation-REST
Duration Twelve session treatment program
Topics Anxiety
Keywords Psychotherapist Rest music Clinical psychology Coping psychology Phenomenological method Experiential learning
Citations 15
Key findings Participants with GAD experienced flotation-REST treatment as a comprehensive process involving six themes, from obstacles to enhanced life-quality. The authors indicate the method positively affected symptoms and core GAD issues experientially and provided initial insights into potential mechanisms of treatment effects.

Abstract

Among the anxiety disorders Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is currently the most treatment resistant, suggesting that treatment protocols could be enhanced. A promising treatment of GAD is flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique), which in earlier studies has been shown to alleviate symptoms in GAD. Although, research on flotation-REST as a treatment of GAD has shown promising result no study has explored how treatment is experienced. By applying a phenomenological perspective the present study aims to characterize the experiences of undergoing flotation-REST treatment while suffering from GAD. Nine participants with GAD, as defined with self-report measures, participated. Data was collected by semi-structured interviews that were conducted after the completion of a twelve session treatment program with flotation-REST. The Empirical Phenomenological Psychological (EPP) method was used for gathering and analyzing the data. The analysis resulted in six themes that characterize the experience of undergoing a flotation-REST treatment while having GAD: (1) obstacles in treatment, (2) a relaxed and safe vantage point, (3) non-ordinary states of consciousness, (4) connecting with oneself, (5) new attitudes and coping strategies, and (6) enhanced life-quality. The results highlights that flotation-REST treatment of GAD was experienced as a comprehensive process that were both challenging and pleasant. The results indicate that the method positively affected symptoms and the core issue associated with GAD on an experiential level. The present study also generated some initial understanding regarding potential mechanism that might mediate and maintain positive treatment effects when flotation-REST is applied as an intervention of GAD.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with a life-threatening disease: A qualitative study of acute and sustained subjective effects Patients with anxiety associated with life-threatening diseases 2014 Prospective follow-up with qualitative content analysis n = 10
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
Cancer at the Dinner Table: Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Distress Adult participants with clinically elevated anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis 2017 Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis n = 13
Extended difficulties following the use of psychedelic drugs: A mixed methods study Participants who reported extended difficulties following psychedelic experiences 2023 Convergent mixed-method study n = 608
Mindfulness and compassion-oriented practices at work reduce distress and enhance self-care of palliative care teams: a mixed-method evaluation of an “on the job“ program Interdisciplinary palliative care team staff 2017 Observational mixed-method pilot evaluation n = 28

Citations in the library

Cited by 7

and 2 more in the library

Cites 5

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Explore topics

Anxiety Altered states of consciousness Philosophy of mind