Positive Health Online

Abstract

SAKAI, Department of Psychiatry, Saga Medical School Japan studied the effects of autogenic training for anxiety disorders.

Background

Methodology

55 patients who met the DSM-III-R criteria for anxiety disorders were treated individually with autogenic training by the author between October 1981-95 in a psychiatric setting of a medical school hospital. The patients medical records were investigated retrospectively.

Results

The autogenic training was successful. 28 patients (51%) were cured; 14 (25%) were much improved; 8 (15%) improved and 5 (9%) were unchanged at the end of the treatment. 46 patients (76%) were evaluated as having been successfully treated. Pretreatment variables, including patients clinical characteristics, were not a useful predictor of outcome. Four treatment variables had a bearing upon outcome: 1) Practising the second standard autogenic training exercise was a satisfactory predictor of better outcome; 2) practising generalisation training was a useful predictor; 3) The use of other behavioural treatment techniques was positively associated with outcome; 4) Longer treatment periods were associated with improved outcome.

Conclusion

Autogenic training may be of significant benefit in the treatment of anxiety disorders .

References

Sakai M. Application of autogenic training for anxiety disorders: a clinical study in a psychiatric setting. Fukuoka Igaku Zasshi. 88(3): 56-64. Mar 1997 .

Comment

This study was not controlled in any of its elements type of autogenic training; length of autogenic training; combination with other techniques. There is no mention of the length of time of treatment, except that the total duration for these 55 patients was 14 years. Nevertheless, a majority of the patients were cured and most were at least improved with Autogenic Training. A detailed article regarding autogenic training was published in Issue 22 (Sept/Oct 1997) of Positive Health.