Coloring complex shapes decreases patient anxiety in three care environments: a pilot study with color analysis.

Introduction: This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of coloring activity of circular symmetrical shape with complex patterns, so-called mandala, on anxiety associated with chronic illness in three different ambulatory medical situations (general consultation, psychiatric day hospital, and hemodialysis session).

Methods: Thirty patients were included in three groups and came from three different ambulatory medical situations: a hemodialysis group ( = 10), a psychiatric day hospital group ( = 10), and a nephrology consultation group ( = 10). We asked the patients to fill STAI-S and STAI-T questionnaires before to color complex circular shape with complex patterns, then to fill the STAI-S questionnaire again and a questionnaire on the experience of the activity.