ONS PUTTING EVIDENCE INTO PRACTICE
ANXIETY
Definition List
Term Definition
Anxiety Anxiety is an emotional and/or physiological response to known and/or unknown causes that may range from a
normal reaction to extreme dysfunction (indicative of an anxiety disorder), affect decision-making and
adherence to treatment, and impair functioning and/or affect quality of life (American Psychiatric Association
[APA], 2000; Bush & Griffin-Sobel, 2002; Noyes, Holt, & Massie, 1998; Vitek, Rosenzweig, & Stollings, 2006;
Shahrokh & Hales, 2003).
Anxiety Disorders The APA (2000) described two types of anxiety that patients with cancer may experience: General Anxiety
(DSM-IV Criteria) Disorder (GAD) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). GAD is characterized by at least six months of
persistent and severe anxiety and worry that significantly impairs social, occupational, and other important
areas of functioning. PTSD is characterized by the re-experiencing of an extremely traumatic event
accompanied by symptoms of increased arousal (e.g., difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, difficulty falling or
staying asleep) and by avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma. Additionally, anxiety seen in patients
with cancer is accompanied by greater autonomic hyperactivity than in patients with GAD (Noyes et al.).
Aromatherapy Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy that is delivered by a therapist simultaneously as aromatherapy
Massage oils are administered by inhalation (Wilkinson et al., 2007).
Autogenic Training Deep breathing and use of suggestion to diminish autonomic arousal and induce a relaxation response
(Hidderley & Holt, 2004).
Complementary Various disease-treating practices that differ from conventional or traditional medicine (Sadock & Sadock,
Alternative Medicine 2003). Other terms include integrative or holistic medicine, and CAM therapies include hypnotherapy, massage
(CAM) therapy, relaxation therapy, guided imagery, yoga, nutritional and herbal supplements, acupuncture, and
aromatherapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Combinations of both cognitive and behavioral techniques used to reduce or eliminate mental and physical
Therapy (CBT) symptoms. Identifying and altering these maladaptive thoughts and behaviors can reduce symptoms (Osborn,
Demoncada, & Feuerstein, 2006). Examples of behavioral therapies: systematic desensitization, biofeedback,
and various relaxation training techniques. Examples of cognitive therapies: distraction, thought monitoring,
cognitive restructuring, coping self-statements (Jacobsen & Hann, 1998). CBT with cancer survivors typically
includes multiple cognitive and behavioral approaches (Antoni et al., 2006; Osborn et al.). Therapy may be
provided individually or in groups face to face, or by telephone or videoconferencing (Antoni et al; Kissane et
al., 2003; Shepherd et al., 2006).
Exercise Exercise is physical activity that is planned or structured. It involves repetitive bodily movement done to
improve or maintain one or more of the components of physical fitness—cardiorespiratory endurance (aerobic
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ONS PUTTING EVIDENCE INTO PRACTICE
ANXIETY
Definition List
Term Definition
fitness), muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition (Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, n.d.).
Homeopathy An alternative approach to medicine based on the belief that natural substances prepared in a special way and
used most often in very small amounts restore health (National Institute of Health, Center for Complementarr
and Alternative Medicine, n.d.).
Massage Therapy Massage therapy involves manipulation of soft tissue areas of the body. Massage consists of stroking
squeezing, and stretching techniques to the head, arms, legs/feet, and back (Hernandez-Reif et al., 2004).
Pharmacotherapy Pharmacotherapy is the use of medications to decrease anxiety. Medications include benzodiazepines,
alzaprones, anithistamines, antidepressants, atypical neuroleptics, and other medications (Holland et al., 1991).
Progressive Muscle A relaxation therapy technique that uses sequential tensing and relaxing of muscle groups to induce a relaxed
Relaxation physical and mental state (Hernandez-Reif et al.).
Psychoeducational A psychoeducational intervention is information healthcare professionals provide patients regarding cancer-
Intervention specific information, treatments, symptoms, and specific problem-solving strategies for coping with cancer.
Interventions may include the use of booklets, pamphlets, videos, audiotapes, or computers to reduce anxiety
(Katz, Irish, & Devins, 2004; Osborn, Demoncada, & Feuerstein, 2006).
Reflexology Reflexology is defined by the International Institute of Reflexology as a manual technique based on the theory
that reflex areas in the feet and hands correspond to all glands, organs, and parts of the body (Deng &
Cassileth, 2005).
Reiki Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is a form of energy healing that uses vibration drawn through the practitioner to the
recipient, in accordance with the recipient’s need. Proponents hypothesize that Reiki re-establishes the energy
balance in areas of the body that are experiencing discomfort, thus promoting healing and increasing quality of
life (Tsang, Carlson, & Olson, 2007).
State Anxiety State anxiety is a transitory emotional response to a stressful situation (Kim & Kim, 2005).
Therapeutic Touch Therapeutic touch (TT) is an energy therapy where the practitioner’s hands move through the patient’s energy
field to assess and treat energy field imbalances (Shames & Keegan, 2000). The specially trained practitioner
deliberately “centers” intention from an external focus to an internal focus of calm, then moves his/her hands
over the patient’s body, but does not actually touch the body. Therapeutic touch is performed by a trained nurse
who moves his/her hands around the patient’s body but does not touch the body often accompanied by restful
music (Kelly, Sullivan, Fawcett, & Samarel, 2004).
Trait Anxiety Trait anxiety reflects a stable predisposition to anxiety as determined by a personality pattern (Kim & Kim).
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Definition List
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