THE EFFECT OF BERGAMOT ESSENTIAL OIL ON ANXIETY AMONG CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bergamot essential oil inhalation on anxiety scores of children with autism during routine medical visits, as measured by an anxiety inventory, heart rate, and blood pressure. Children with an autism spectrum disorder experience anxiety at rates much higher than children who do not have an autism spectrum disorder. There is a growing need for non-invasive solutions to the anxiety experienced by children with an autism spectrum disorder that are both safe and effective. This study evaluated the role of a sensory enhanced environment through the use of bergamot essential oil as a tool to improve both problem-focused coping and emotional regulation of children with an autism spectrum disorder who require routine medical visits.

The study consisted of a 15-minute exposure to bergamot essential oil at the start of the medical visit, once the child was in the medical examining room. The child’s blood pressure and heart rate, State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-CH) were taken at the start of the visit and again after 15 minutes of exposure to the oil. After adjusting for baseline scores, children who inhaled the bergamot essential oil during the 15 minute period had similar heart rate and blood pressure readings as children who did not inhale the bergamot essential oil.

Children who inhaled bergamot essential oil during the first 15 minutes of their medical appointments had anxiety scores which were similar to children who did not inhale the essential oil for the entire scale. When the portion of the inventory which evaluated the absence of anxiety related feelings was evaluated, it was also found that children who inhaled bergamot essential oil during the first 15 minutes of their medical appointments had significantly higher scores than children who did not inhale the essential oil.

Based on the findings of this study, exposure to the essential oil during the first 15 minutes of a medical office appointment does not reduce anxiety scores in children who have autism and may even increase the perception of anxiety these children experience.