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Panic Disorder Therapy Using Biofeedback and Web Technologies

Intelligent panic disorder treatment by using biofeedback analysis and web technologies

Abstract:
The treatment of mental disorders has recently become an important research issue. The treatment of mental illness through biofeedback therapy can be defined as a combination method integrating biofeedback devices and self-help programs.

Internet-Based Biofeedback

Content Type:  Journal Article

Milhealth’s Note: While this refers to a study conducted for hypertension it could also serve as a treatment modality for PTSD for the lowering of blood pressure and use of biofeedback for relaxation.

Internet-Based Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation Training in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Pilot Study

Abstract: The effectiveness of biofeedback-assisted behavioral treatment with Internet-based client-therapist contact for hypertension was tested in outpatient settings. A pilot study with a randomized controlled design was adopted with two conditions (treatment versus passive controls), lasting for 8 weeks.

There were two assessment time points (pre-treatment and post-treatment) measuring clinic systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and administration of a questionnaire collecting demographic and subjective data.

Participants included 19 Swedish adults diagnosed with hypertension. The treatment group lowered their SBP 5.9 mm Hg and their DBP 7.6 mm Hg while the control group lowered their SBP 0.8 mm Hg and DBP 3.0 mm Hg. The effect of treatment was significant for DBP but not for SBP. There were no other significant effects of treatment.

This pilot study shows encouraging results regarding Internet-based biofeedback treatment for hypertensive adults. However, further research using a larger sample is needed.

DOI 10.1007/s10484-009-9126-x

Authors:

Erik M. G. Olsson, Uppsala University Department of Psychology Box 1225 751 42 Uppsala Sweden
Samir El Alaoui, Uppsala University Department of Psychology Box 1225 751 42 Uppsala Sweden
Bo Carlberg, Umeå University Hospital Umeå Sweden
Per Carlbring, Linköping University Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning Linköping Sweden
Ata Ghaderi, Uppsala University Department of Psychology Box 1225 751 42 Uppsala Sweden

Journal ISBN

Online ISSN 1573-3270
Print ISSN 1090-0586

Keywords:  Biofeedback - Internet - Blood pressure - Hypertension – Relaxation

Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10484-009-9126-x

Also: PMID: 19949851 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

CITATION: Olsson E, El Alaoui S, Carlberg B, et al. Internet-Based Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation Training in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Pilot Study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback.  2009 Dec 1. [Epub ahead of print]

[Accessed December 4, 2009]