Respiratory biofeedback-assisted therapy in panic disorder

Behav Modif. 2001 Sep;25(4):584-605. doi: 10.1177/0145445501254006.

Abstract

The authors describe a new methodologically improved behavioral treatment for panic patients using respiratory biofeedback from a handheld capnometry device. The treatment rationale is based on the assumption that sustained hypocapnia resulting from hyperventilation is a key mechanism in the production and maintenance of panic. The brief 4-week biofeedback therapy is aimed at voluntarily increasing self-monitored end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) and reducing respiratory rate and instability through breathing exercises in patients' environment. Preliminary results from 4 patients indicate that the therapy was successful in reducing panic symptoms and other psychological characteristics associated with panic disorder. Physiological data obtained from home training, 24-hour ambulatory monitoring pretherapy and posttherapy, and laboratory assessment at follow-up indicate that patients started out with low resting PCO2 levels, increased those levels during therapy, and maintained those levels at posttherapy and/or follow-up. Partial dissociation between PCO2 and respiratory rate questions whether respiratory rate should be the main focus of breathing training in panic disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biofeedback, Psychology*
  • Carbon Dioxide / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperventilation / psychology
  • Hyperventilation / therapy
  • Male
  • Panic Disorder / psychology
  • Panic Disorder / therapy*
  • Respiration*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide