Mindfulness

Question 1

Relaxation techniques

Answer 1

Progressive muscular relaxation 
Breathing relaxation 
Passive muscles relaxation 
Visual/guided imagery 
Mindfulness meditation 
Yoga

Question 2

Relaxation techniques are not recommended for:

Answer 2

• acutely psychotic patients
• can create sense of dissociation/outer-body experiences (remind people to open their eyes if they want to)
• variations in blood pressure may occur in the course of relaxation training; it can rise when limbs are being tensed and fall during deep relaxation

Question 3

How to run relaxation techniques

Answer 3

• Explain to clients how it works/education about relaxation response
• Ensure conducive environment/comfortable positioning
• Match the relaxation training to the level of functioning
• Consider whether caregiver support is needed

Question 4

Mindfulness-based stress reduction

Answer 4

Manualised treatment program was originally developed for the management of chronic pain

Now tested widely in RCTs and used to reduce psychological morbidity associated with chronic illnesses and to treat emotional and behavioural disorders