Effects of Progressive Relaxation on Epilepsy: Analysis of a Series of Cases

Abstract

It is well known that stress and other environmental factors often trigger seizures in people with epilepsy but reviews of the literature show no rigorous studies of behavioral approaches to minimize stress and improve seizure control. The purpose of this study was to overcome this deficiency by studying the effects of progressive relaxation therapy on the frequency of seizures in eight intellectually intact subjects with epilepsy. All 8 experienced at least six seizures in a 3-wk. baseline period. They were then randomly placed into either Group 1, who underwent relaxation therapy during the next 3-wk. interval, or Group 2, who underwent a 3-wk. sham treatment and then a 3-wk. relaxation therapy. All 8 subjects showed decreases from baseline to treatment, indicating a significant beneficial effect of relaxation therapy for reduction of seizures. All 8 gave subjective reports of improved feelings of well-being beyond decreases in the frequency of their seizures. The implications of these results are discussed and suggestions for research are presented.