REVIEW   

Chirurgia 2023 February;36(1):34-7

DOI: 10.23736/S0394-9508.22.05469-9

Copyright © 2022 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Evaluation of the effect of autogenic training as psychological support to patients operated for cancer: a systematic review

Stefania SIVERO ¹ ✉, Nelson M. MALDONATO ¹, Alessia CHINI ², Rosa MAIONE ², Rosa VITALE ², Serena VOLPE ², Saverio SICILIANO ², Mario BOTTONE ¹, Luigi SIVERO ²

¹ Head-Neck Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; ² Medical-Surgical Department of Diseases of the Digestive System, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

INTRODUCTION: A systematic review of the international literature was carried out to analyze the current state of knowledge on the effects of autogenic training on cancer patients.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched for relevant records in electronic databases (Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Pubmed and Scopus). In particular we have examined 187 publications and, after removing the duplicates, articles that were not pertinent (combining autogenic training with other technique, using other mind-body medicine techinique, using mind-body medicine technique with other patology) or not written in English, a total of 5 articles were included in this review.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Five papers reporting the results of independent studies were included: all studies reported beneficial effects on mental status (mood, stress, anxiety, and depression), two studies also reported an effect on the immune system.
CONCLUSIONS: Independent studies indicate that autogenic training is an effective way to improve the mental status of cancer patients.

KEY WORDS: Autogenic training; Neoplasms; Anxiety; Depression; Mood disorders