Essential Oils for Anxiety Disorders during Electrocautery
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
Is the use of essential oils generally safe for humans?
How does the 'No Essential Oil' treatment for anxiety during electrocautery differ from other treatments?
The 'No Essential Oil' treatment is unique because it involves not using essential oils, which are typically used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety with fewer side effects compared to traditional drugs. This approach contrasts with treatments that utilize essential oils like lavender, which have been shown to have calming effects through inhalation or other methods.13678
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to assess whether essential oil aromatherapy could improve or eliminate the smell of burnt flesh from electrocautery and subsequently mitigate patient anxiety and discomfort during dermatologic skin surgery.This is a randomized clinical trial. Approximately 210 electrocautery participants will be randomized to receive sham control/no aromatherapy or aromatherapy. Patients will be asked to complete a questionnaire after completion of the procedure to assess their experience. This study was a pilot study designed to determine the feasibility of this procedure.Subjects currently living in the Chicago metropolitan area and meet inclusion/exclusion criteria will be invited and considered for enrollment.
Research Team
Murad Alam, MD
Principal Investigator
Northwestern University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 in good health who are undergoing skin surgery with electrocautery in the Chicago area. They must be able to understand and sign a consent form. People can't join if they can't hold an aromatherapy device during surgery or have communication issues due to language barriers or mental impairment.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo dermatologic skin surgery with either sham control/no aromatherapy or aromatherapy
Follow-up
Participants complete a questionnaire to assess their experience immediately after the procedure
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Essential Oil
- No Essential Oil
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor