Effects of Audio-Guided Imagery on Raynaud Phenomenon in Connective Tissue Disease.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the physical, emotional, and mental impact of regular audio-guided imagery (AGI) in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated Raynaud phenomenon (RP).

Methods: Sixteen adult patients with CTD-associated RP were enrolled in an open-label, single-arm, eight-week intervention with daily AGI at a single center. Patients completed surveys, including assessment of RP severity, depression/anxiety, and quality of life at baseline and the end of eight weeks.

Results: Study participants demonstrated significant improvement in all patient reported outcomes, except Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, which showed improvement but was not statistically significant. This eight-week intervention shows that patients with CTD-associated RP had less severe RP episodes, as well as improved quality of life and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: AGI significantly improved several domains of health, including physical, emotional, and mental, in patients with CTD-associated RP who otherwise more commonly struggle with more RP attacks, lower quality of life, and depression. AGI is a low-cost, low-risk, and convenient therapy for CTD-associated RP. A larger study studying the effects of this intervention is indicated.