Efectividad de la implementación de salas de relajación Snoezelen en la reducción de la agitación en adolescentes con trastornos de la conducta

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Agitation in adolescents with conduct disorders (CD) is a freqüent problem that can have negative consequences for their mental health and in the hospital environment. Conventional interventions, such as medication or mechanical restraint (MR), can generate undesirable side effects. Snoezelen rooms, multisensory environments designed for relaxation, have proven beneficial in other populations, but their efficacy in reducing agitation in adolescents with CD has not been widely studied.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of Snoezelen with conventional approaches, including PRNs or MR, to reduce agitation in adolescents with CD.

METHODOLOGY: An experimental randomized clinical trial design will be used. Participants will be adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with CD experiencing agitation. They will be randomly assigned to two groups: those who will receive conventional treatment and another group who will receive the Snoezelen room. The level of agitation of the participants will be measured before and after the intervention. The independent variable (use of the Snoezelen room) and the dependent variable (level of agitation experienced) will be considered.

EXPECTED RESULTS: It is expected that adolescents in the Snoezelen group will experience a significant decrease in agitation compared to the control group. The Snoezelen room is expected to provide a safe and effective alternative to conventional approaches, reducing the need for medication and MR.

CONCLUSION: This study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of the Snoezelen room in reducing agitation in adolescents with CD. Positive results could lead to the broader implementation of Snoezelen rooms in psychiatric settings, offering a nonpharmacological and non-invasive alternative for managing agitation.