Effect Of Weighted Blanket On Anxiety And Autonomic Function In Patients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Objective: In this study,weighted blanket intervention was carried out in patients with generalized anxiety disorder to explore the effect of weighted blanket on anxiety level and sleep,as well as the changes of autonomic nervous function before and after the treatment.Methods: There were 70 patients enrolled,who were diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder in the department of mental health in a grade A hospital.According to the random number table method,the patients were divided into the control group and the intervention group.The control group received routine anti-anxiety drug treatment and nursing,with hospital quilts.On the basis of conventional anti-anxiety medication and nursing,the intervention group was given a weighted blanket intervention in 90 minutes once a day for a total of 7 times continuously.The scores of SAS,STAI,ISI and HRV indexes were collected to assess the effectiveness of intervention group weighted blanket before and after the intervention.Results: A total of 67 patients with generalized anxiety disorder were enrolled in the study,including 33 in the intervention group and 34 in the control group.1.SAS: At the end of 7 days both of the two groups’ scores reduced,the scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group,and the differences between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.01).2.S-AI: At the end of 7 days both of the two groups’ scores reduced,the scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group,and the differences between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).3.HRV time domain index: The SDNN components in the interventiongroup decreased with time,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01);there were no significant changes in RMSSD and pNN50 components between the two groups(P>0.05).HRV frequency domain index: In the intervention group,the VLF components decreased gradually with time(P<0.05),the LF and LF/HF components both decreased gradually with time(P<0.01),HF components increased gradually(P<0.05),and the differences were statistically significant between two groups.In the control group,the LF components and LF/HF decreased gradually(P<0.05),and the differences were statistically significant between two groups.The intervention group VLF and LF were significantly lower than the control group,and the differences between the two groups was significant(P<0.05).Conclusion: In patients with generalized anxiety disorder,weighted blanket intervention on the basis of medication can accelerate the relief of anxiety symptoms,which may be related to decreased sympathetic excitability and gradual restoration of autonomic nervous function.