Benson Relaxation for Anxiety and Depression After Stroke (NCT07731282) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Benson Relaxation for Anxiety and Depression After Stroke
China74 participantsStarted 2026-07-23
Plain-language summary
This study tests whether Benson Relaxation Technique (BRT), a simple mind-body relaxation method, can help reduce anxiety and depression in patients who had an ischemic stroke 7-14 days ago. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the BRT group (receiving 20-minute relaxation sessions twice daily for 2 weeks) or a control group (receiving health education sessions of the same duration). We will measure anxiety and depression using standard questionnaires, and use near-infrared brain imaging to see if BRT changes brain activity in the prefrontal cortex. The goal is to find a safe, non-drug way to improve mood in early stroke recovery.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Meets the diagnostic criteria for stroke set by the Neurology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and is confirmed as ischemic stroke based on CT or MRI examination results.
* In the acute stage of stroke (7-14 days after onset) ③ Age ≥ 18 years old ④ Clear consciousness, stable condition, and able to communicate effectively ⑤ Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score: HADS-A ≥ 8 points or HADS-D ≥ 8 points (or both ≥ 8 points) ⑥ Voluntarily participate in this study and sign the informed consent form.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Combined with severe aphasia, visual and auditory impairments, unable to cooperate with intervention and assessment
* Combined with severe dysfunction of organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys or malignant tumors ③ Has a clear history of mental illness or has been taking anti-psychotic drugs for a long time ④ Is currently participating in other clinical intervention studies
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial is testing the Benson Relaxation Technique for anxiety and depression after a stroke, but it hasn't started recruiting yet — is there a realistic timeline for when it might open, and would waiting for it delay any other treatment I should be starting now?
2The trial is measuring outcomes using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale — how would my current anxiety and depression symptoms be assessed to see if I might be a good fit to discuss with the research team once enrollment opens?
3Since this is listed as 'Phase NA,' which often applies to behavioral or non-drug studies, what is already known about the safety and potential benefits of the Benson Relaxation Technique for people recovering from an acute ischemic stroke like mine?
4Are there standard treatments for post-stroke anxiety and depression — like therapy, medication, or other structured programs — that I should consider starting now rather than waiting for this trial to begin recruiting?
5What would actually be involved in participating in this study on a day-to-day basis, and given that I'm recovering from a stroke, is the time and effort it might require realistic given where I am in my recovery?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) - Anxiety and Depression Subscales
Timeframe: Baseline (T0, within 24 hours of enrollment) and post-intervention (T1, day 14 ± 1 day)