Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Major
Nursing
Date of Defense
7-15-2025
Graduate Advisor
Sarah Burnett, DNP, CPNP-PC/AC
Committee
Brittania Phillips, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C
Christine Turner, MSW
Abstract
Abstract
Problem: Anxiety is one of the most common mental health diagnoses that often coexists with patients who have a substance use disorder. A gap exists in the literature regarding the use of aromatherapy in specific populations. However, several studies expressed that patients with a substance use disorder would be interested in utilizing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) options, such as aromatherapy, as another treatment option to aid in decreasing anxiety.
Methods: This research study utilized a descriptive and cross-sectional design. Aromatherapy, using lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil, was administered for inhalation over one minute after completing a pre-Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. One hour later, a post-Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale was conducted. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Item was also utilized at the initial and final intensive outpatient program sessions. The data collected was focused on anxiety levels in response to the inhalation of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil.
Results: After six weeks of data collection, there were eight participants enrolled in the study (n = 8). After the inhalation of lavender essential oil, there was a statistically significant decrease in anxiety levels, based on the comparison of the mean pre-HAM-A scores and the mean post-HAM-A scores. The initial and final GAD-7 assessments did not have an equal number of participants, which resulted in a non-statistically significant decrease in anxiety levels.
Implications for Practice: The use of CAM therapies that are easy to implement, cost-effective, and evidence-based can help reduce anxiety in various settings and populations when there is a greater need for mental health support.
Recommended Citation
Naccarato-Diplarides, Alexandria, "Aromatherapy to Decrease Anxiety in Adults with a Substance Use Disorder in an Intensive Outpatient Program" (2025). Dissertations. 1543.
https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/1543