Pharmaceutical and therapeutic interventions for anxiety in terminal illness. (2nd March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Chloe; Dippenaar, Enrico
• Is Part Of: International paramedic practice. Volume 12:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 8
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2022-03-02
• Subjects: Pharmaceutical interventions -- Non-pharmacological therapy -- Terminal illness -- Anxiety -- End-of-life care; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; Allied health personnel -- Periodicals; Emergency medical technicians -- Periodicals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.12968/ippr.2022.12.1.8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-4889

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Anxiety is a sensation where the human body reacts to a range of emotions in an adverse way, leading to symptoms of nervousness, anxiousness and excessive fear. Anxiety disorders arise in patients who are receiving end-of-life care for multiple reasons, including confronting mortality and having to accept a change in lifestyle. Therefore, a vital part of managing the symptoms of patients who are terminally ill is ensuring they receive the most appropriate intervention for these disorders, whether that be pharmaceutical or a non-pharmaceutical therapy. Methods: A rapid literature search was conducted between 20 February 2021 and 3 March 2021 through two main online databases (CINAHL Plus and PsycInfo). A total of 848 entries matched the search criteria and, after screening, seven papers were collated and used within this review. Results: All pharmacological interventions were shown to reduce anxiety-related symptoms in patients receiving end-of-life care. Most non-pharmaceutical therapeutic interventions showed some effects, including significant reductions in symptoms when evaluated against the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale or individual disclosure of improvements in quality of life. Conclusions: While none of the studies in this review directly compared pharmacological with non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions, both can improve end-of-life care for terminally ill patients. When treating patients diagnosed with a terminal illness who are receiving palliative care, their prognosis, time frame and personal wishes are key aspects to consider when deciding on the most appropriate management strategy for anxiety disorders.