Clinical experiences with respiratory feedback as a tool in the treatment of anxiety: A case report

Abstract

The efficacy of combining autogenic training and psychotherapy with respiratory feedback treatment in three cases of panic disorder with agoraphobia without personality disorders is described. All patients were non-responders to earlier treatment trials, including antidepressives, anxiolytics, exposure treatment, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. After respiratory feedback treatment the patients reported a marked reduction in anxiety symptoms and functional improvement. All patients could return to work. Our experiences suggest that respiratory feedback is a useful treatment option in chronic and appearant treatment-resistant panic disorder with agoraphobia in psychiatric outpatients. Controlled intervention studies are highly needed to test these clinical observations.

Key Words:

• Anxiety
• Biofeedback
• Panic disorder
• Psychotherapy
• Respiratory feedback
• Social phobia