Study on forest therapy for depression and anxiety

The aim of this study under Min Ho Chun was to evaluate the effectiveness of forest therapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic stroke using various psychological tests. In addition, reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROM) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were measured in relation to psychological stress.

Fifty-nine patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to either a forest group (stay in a recreational forest) or a city group (stay in a city hotel); duration and activities were identical in both groups. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores, the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D17), the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), d-ROMs and BAPs were recorded before and after the therapy programs.

In the forest group, BDI, HAM-D17 and STAI scores decreased significantly after treatment, while BAP scores increased significantly compared to baseline. In the urban group, STAI values were significantly higher after treatment. In addition, the BDI, HAM-D17 and STAI values were significantly lower and the BAP values significantly higher in the forest group than in the urban group.

Forest therapy is effective in the treatment of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic stroke and could be particularly beneficial for patients who cannot be treated with conventional pharmacological or electroconvulsive therapies.