Biofeedback for Panic Disorder
By measuring physiological changes associated with anxiety and panic
and feeding this information back via computer, biofeedback helps you
- become aware of patterns that predispose you to panic attacks
- develop the mind-body skills to break out of the negative spiral
that leads to panic.
Breathing Training with Biofeedback
Research suggests people with Panic Disorder are predisposed
to over-breathe. Hyperventilation (over-breathing) can be detected with a device
called a capnometer. Biofeedback training to optimise breathing can both reduce vulnerability and
give you skills to respond effectively to early signs of panic.
Read more about breathing biofeedback.
Panic and Heart Rate Coherence
Another aspect of panic is that imbalance in the body's
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) leads to extreme "fight or flight" responses.
Heart Rate Coherence biofeedback aims to train a healthier balance in the ANS.
Read more about Heart Rate Coherence.
About Panic Disorder
A panic attack is a sudden period of intense anxiety that might or might not
have an obvious trigger. Most people experience physical symptoms such as a
pounding heart, chest pain, difficulty breating, nausea, dizziness, numbness or
tingling, or feelings of unreality.
An important characteristic is the spiralling nature of a panic attack.
The first feelings lead to thoughts of losing control and catastrophe,
and this leads to more anxiety, and so on.
Panic and Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation or over-breathing is a crucial aspect of this spiral.
Anxiety tends to lead to over-breathing. Hypverventilation paradoxically
starves the brain of oxygen - emotions run out of control, and it becomes difficult to
focus and think clearly. The more you over-breathe, the worse the
symptoms.
Panic Links
No More Panic
: Support site for sufferers of Panic Disorder, phobias and more.
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
An opportunity to
meet the therapist -
up to 30 mins
Find out how
biofeedback
could help you
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