Biofeedback-assisted Cognitive-behavioral Therapy in the Reduction of Alprazolam Dependence After Panic Attacks with Cardiaphobia


Book Description

The effects of thermal and galvanic skin response (GSR) biofeedback, when combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy, were examined with subjects who had been on alprazolam for a minimum of six months after having had panic attacks with cardiaphobia. Subjects also had at least one failed attempt at drug discontinuation. Participants were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Participants in the Traditional Treatment (TT) Group received eight sessions of cognitive-behavioral treatment, including cognitive restructuring, imaginal exposure, and relaxation, which were focused on the elimination of panic symptoms. Thermal and GSR data were recorded for the TT Group, but no feedback was given. Experimental Treatment (ET) Group participants had thermal and GSR biofeedback combined with the cognitive-behavioral treatment protocol utilized with TT Group subjects. Results indicated a significant decrease in time needed to discontinue dependence on medication for the combined-treatment group, along with an increase in subjects' perceptions of locus of control. the ET Group also showed lower levels of generalized anxiety, depression, anticipatory anxiety, and intensity of panic sensations without an increase in the incidence of panic attacks at post-treatment assessment. Such effects were maintained at six month follow-up.




Biofeedback and the Modification of Behavior


Book Description

In this book, I have attempted to evaluate critically the very large literature which has accumulated in the area of biofeedback over the past 10-15 years. As might be expected in any area of psychology with clinical possibilities, the literature divides itself into two main categories-fundamental research studies and therapeutic studies. It is now apparent that the clinical applications of biofeed back have far outstripped their fundamental research bases, with the inevitable result that the initial wave of enthusiasm may be replaced with an unnecessarily severe skepticism. Either extreme position is unjustified. Biofeedback does rep resent an important new approach to the elucidation of the role played by internal systems in the adjustment of the organism to its environment. But its potential will only be revealed if its use in practice is soundly based on fundamental research. There are promising signs that this is being realized so that there is cause for optimism. Aubrey J. Yates Perth, Australia A Note on the References With the exception of no more than two or three papers, all the references in this book have been obtained and read. However, many of them were published in journals which will not be readily accessible to the reader who may be interested in consulting more directly particular articles which attract his attention.







Biofeedback and Self-regulation


Book Description




Biofeedback, Fourth Edition


Book Description

This comprehensive volume is widely regarded as the definitive practitioner resource and text resource in the field of biofeedback and applied psychophysiology. Leading experts cover basic concepts, assessment, instrumentation, clinical procedures, and professional issues. Chapters describe how traditional and cutting-edge methods are applied in treatment of a wide range of disorders, including headaches, temporomandibular disorders, essential hypertension, pelvic floor disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, tinnitus, and others. Applications for optimizing physical performance among artists and athletes are also reviewed. A wealth of information and empirical research is presented in an accessible style, including helpful glossaries. New to This Edition *Incorporates significant technological developments and new research areas. *Expanded focus on specialized applications, such as electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback/neurofeedback and heart rate variability biofeedback. *Chapters on surface electromyography, quantitative EEG, and consumer products. *Chapters on cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation training. *Chapters on additional clinical problems: anxiety disorders, asthma, work-related pain, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorders, and substance use disorders.




Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions


Book Description

Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions: Theory, Research, and Procedures surveys a variety of areas to which cognitive-behavioral strategies have been applied. The various contributors represent some of the major innovators in the field. Each has developed and systematically evaluated programs which apply sound empirically based procedures to cognitive and behavioral phenomena. The opening chapter traces the short developmental history and describes the current professional environment of the cognitive-behavioral movement. The chapters that follow represent major contributions by the leading investigators across a number of areas of intervention. Each chapter describes a summary of research in the respective area, a description of the actual intervention procedures with supporting empirical data, and a consideration of the theoretical foundations and potential implications associated with the intervention. The chapter contents vary across three dimensions. First, the interventions range from those that focus on the acquisition of new capacities to those that deal with the control and modification of existing processes. Second, several chapters focus on adult populations, several on child populations, and some on both. Finally, whereas a number of the chapters deal with problems that have been areas of traditional clinical concern, several others explore new and interesting applications for cognitive-behavioral interventions.