Quality of Life with Flotation Therapy for a Person Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, Atypical Autism, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression

Anette Kjellgren, Hanna Edebol, Tommy Nordén, Torsten Norlander

Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden Evidens Research and Development Center, G?teborg, Sweden.
Department of Psychology, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden.
Evidens Research and Development Center, G?teborg, Sweden.
Nutrition Gut Brain Interactions Research Centre, ?rebro University, ?rebro, Sweden.

DOI: 10.4236/ojmp.2013.23020                

Abstract

The aim of this single-subject study was to report experiences from one and a half years of regular floating as described by a person with neuropsychiatric and mental health disorders. Floating, or Flotation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique, involves relaxation and sensory deprivation by means of resting in a tank with highly salted and body-tempered water. The subject, a 24-year-old woman diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, atypical autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression floated regularly for one and a half years. Interviews regarding her experiences were analyzed and the main findings involved a subjective sense of improved quality of life, wellbeing and healthy behavior. There were no negative effects from treatment. Results suggest that floating may have beneficial therapeutic effects on mental health. Further studies that evaluate the efficacy and possible effects of floating with regard to mental health are needed.

Keywords

Flotation; Relaxation; Mental Health; Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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