Anxiety and Depression Levels in Cancer Patients After Self-Application of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)

Anxiety and depression have been found to be significant co-occurring conditions in cancer
patients. This study examines these and other psychological conditions in patients diagnosed
with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile duct, with an average survival time of
three to six months post-diagnosis. Participants are taught EFT in telephone and internet
group coaching sessions, and have access to an online support forum. They complete the
Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC), EORTC Quality of Life scale, the PTSD
checklist, the Patient Health Questionnaire, and a brief health checklist. Participants also
provide medical records confirming their diagnosis, and markers, both before and after the
study. The study is expected to enroll 20-15 cholangiocarcinoma patients, and use a
within-subjects, time series, repeated measures design. Symptoms are assessed prior to
coaching, after four, and again after eight weekly coaching sessions. Follow-ups will occur
in one month, three months, and one year. It is hypothesized that a drop in the severity of
co-occurring psychological symptoms, pain and insomnia may occur after EFT coaching.