DOCSLIB.ORG

ABSTRACT a Process Evaluation of the Use of a Training Protocol Integrating Biofeedback and Neurofeedback in a Counseling Settin

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
ABSTRACT a Process Evaluation of the Use of a Training Protocol Integrating Biofeedback and Neurofeedback in a Counseling Settin ABSTRACT A Process Evaluation of the Use of a Training Protocol Integrating Biofeedback and Neurofeedback in a Counseling Setting: Consideration of the Working Alliance and Treatment Satisfaction by Tami Maes Fragedakis July, 2014 Director: Dr. Paul J. Toriello Department of Addictions and Rehabilitation Studies Often individuals enroll in counseling services during times of distress, seeking help with a variety of situations and conditions. However, many individuals do not complete treatment for a variety of reasons. A possible way of increasing client compliance is to enrich the counseling services provided. While talk therapy is effective, implementing technology into counseling with the use of biofeedback applications may enhance the working alliance, increase treatment satisfaction, and further augment the field of counseling. The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary process evaluation of the use of a training protocol integrating biofeedback and neurofeedback applications to alleviate symptomology of mental health conditions. Biofeedback and neurofeedback measurements provide a lens to better understand the physiological basis of mental health conditions. Biofeedback and neurofeedback training allows individuals to interact with their physiology further teaching clients to control and manipulate internal states related to mental health conditions. Participants were clients enrolled for services at a university based counseling clinic and consented to participate in the study (N = 10). Clients engaging in a novel training protocol integrating biofeedback and neurofeedback applications designed to help alleviate symptomology associated with the physiological basis to mental health conditions. The objective data obtained from the biofeedback measurements and the subjective reports given by the clients were used to evaluate the integrated training protocol and explore the research questions. The data obtained in this study was used to construct a prospective model for the implementation of an integrated training protocol into counseling. The model proposes the utilization of biofeedback applications may enrich the counseling experience defined through the working alliance and treatment satisfaction. If clients feel a stronger working alliance and are more satisfied with counseling that implements biofeedback applications, they may be more likely to attend and complete the counseling process. Future research is needed to determine causal relationships between the integrated training protocol and the working alliance and treatment satisfaction. A PROCESS EVALUATION OF THE USE OF A TRAINING PROTOCOL INTEGRATING BIOFEEDBACK AND NEUROFEEDBACK IN A COUNSELING SETTING: CONSIDERATION OF THE WORKING ALLIANCE AND TREATEMENT SATISFACTION A Dissertation Presented To The Faculty of the Department of Addictions and Rehabilitation Studies East Carolina University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Ph. D. Rehabilitation Counseling and Administration By Tami Maes Fragedakis July, 2014 A PROCESS EVALUATION OF THE USE OF A TRAINING PROTOCOL INTEGRATING BIOFEEDBACK AND NEUROFEEDBACK IN A COUNSELING SETTING: CONSIDERATION OF THE WORKING ALLIANCE AND TREATMENT SATISFACTION by Tami Maes Fragedakis APPROVED BY: DIRECTOR OF DISSERTATION:___________________________________________ Paul Toriello, Ph.D. COMMITTEE MEMBER:__________________________________________________ Stephen Leierer, Ph.D. COMMITTEE MEMBER:__________________________________________________ Carmen Russoniello, Ph.D. COMMITTEE MEMBER:__________________________________________________ Leslie Sherlin, Ph.D. CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADDICTIONS AND REHABILITATION STUDES: _______________________________________________________________ Paul Toriello, Ph.D. DEAN OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL:_____________________________________ Paul J. Gemperline, PhD ©Copyright 2014 TAMI M. FRAGEDAKIS DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this dissertation to Michael Duquette. I am a better person because I was privileged to know you. You were such an amazing therapist, and I am lucky to have had the opportunity to work with you and see this first hand. You were an even better friend. Thank you for always checking on me, making sure I was staying the course. I do pray this study will do you justice for all you have taught me. You will forever live in my heart. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my gratitude for the contribution of several professors, family members, and friends who assisted me throughout this process. With their support, I was able to complete the coursework required in this program, conduct this research study and successfully defend this dissertation. I am thankful for the opportunity for this experience. First I would like to acknowledge my dissertation committee, Dr. Paul Toriello, Dr. Stephen Leierer, Dr. Carmen Russoniello, and Dr. Leslie Sherlin. Dr. Toriello, my committee chair, offered his guidance and leadership so I was able to bring this dissertation to fruition. Your support provided me gave me the assurance I needed to tackle this project. Thank you for never doubting my ability to complete this dissertation. I would like to thank Dr. Leierer, who worked so diligently with me on this project. Dr. Leierer, thank you so much for devoting your time and sharing your expertise. Your encouraging words provide me with the confidence I needed to make this dissertation a success. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with you. I would also like to thank Dr. Russoniello and Dr. Sherlin, for providing your expertise in biofeedback and neurofeedback. Dr. Russoniello, I have always admired your wisdom and your enthusiasm for biofeedback applications. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with you again and I appreciate your support and your belief in me and my talents and abilities. Dr. Sherlin, thank you for your contributions to my research. I am grateful for your time, support, and commitment. I admire the work that you do in the field and I appreciate the opportunity to work with you on this project. I would also like to thank the staff, faculty, and my peers in the Department of Addictions and Rehabilitation studies. I have truly enjoyed our time together and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with all of you. Next, I would like to thank my loving family. Thank you for your unconditional love, guidance and encouragement. I know I would not be successful without your continuous support and dedication to me and my goals. And thank you to all of my dear friends who have stood by me during this extensive process. I am so excited to be done, “I can’t even feel my own arms!” TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION….………………………………….………….. 1 Introduction to the Study ............……….………………………………….. 1 Background of the Study…………………………………..…….……......... 1 Problem Statement ………………………………........................................ 7 Study Justification ………………………………......................................... 8 Research Questions….................................................................................... 9 Study Significance………............………………………………………….. 11 Definition of Terms……………………………………………………….... 11 Summary………………………………………………………………………….. 16 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE........................................................... 18 Introduction to the Literature .......………………………………………….. 18 The Problem: A Biological Basis to Mental Health Conditions.................... 18 Thought Life………………………………......................................... 24 The Fight-or-Flight Response............................................................... 26 Implications of Chronic Stress............................................................. 19 Biofeedback and Counseling …...………………………………………….. 31 The Working Alliance……………………………………………….. 32 Treatment Satisfaction……………………………………………… 35 . Evaluating the Implementation of the Integrated Training Protocol by Rating the Working Alliance………………................................................ 37 Evaluating the Implementation of the Integrated Training Protocol by Rating Treatment Satisfaction …………………………………………....... 42 The Efficaciousness of Biofeedback………………………………………….. 44 Biofeedback Measurements…………………………………………………… 47 Heart Rate Variability……………………………………………….. 48 Skin Temperature……………………………………………………. 52 Skin Conductance…………………………………………………… 54 Neurofeedback……………………………………………………….. 55 Integrating Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Protocols…………………......... 60 Summary………………………………………………………………………... 64 CHAPTER 3: METHODS………………………………………………………… 66 Introduction……………………………………………………………………... 66 Research Questions……………………………………………………………… 66 Archival Data…………………………………………………………………….. 67 Research Design…………………………………………………………………. 67 Population and Sample………………………………………………………... 68 Procedure………………………………………………………………….......... 70 Instrumentation…………………………………………………………………. 71 The Working Alliance Inventory- Short Revision……………………………. 71 Treatment Satisfaction Index…………………...……………………………... 73 Ranking Biofeedback Measurements…………………………………........... 76 Statistical Analysis……………………………………………………………… 76 Ethical Considerations of the Study…………………………………………….. 78 Limitations of the Study………………………………………………………… 79 Summary………………………………………………………………………... 80 CHAPTER 4: Results……………………………………………………………. 82 Introduction to the Chapter……………………………………………………… 82 Sample Demographics…………………………………………………………... 82 Descriptive Statistics …………………………………………………………… 82 Data Analysis Results…………………………………………………………… 83 Research Question 1 Data Analyses………………………………………
Load more

Recommended publications
  • SPECIAL ISSUE Volume 36, Issue4, Pp
    Biofeedback ©Association for Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback Volume 36, Issue 4, pp. 152–156 www.aapb.org SPECIAL ISSUE Clinical Outcomes in Addiction: A Neurofeedback Case Series Jay Gunkelman, QEEG-Diplomate,1 and Curtis Cripe, PhD2 1Q-Pro Worldwide, Crockett, CA; 2Q-Pro Worldwide, Crossroads Institute, Scottsdale, AZ Keywords: EEG/QEEG, addiction, phenotype, neurofeedback This case series (N = 30) shows the impact of an addiction to absenteeism, turnover costs, accidents/injuries, decreased treatment approach that uses phenotype-basedneurofeedback productivity, increased insurance expenses, and even in an integrated clinical treatment (Crossroads Institute), workplace violence. which combines targeted brain recovery exercises and Costs related to addiction include those related to violence neurotherapy. We present pre– and post–neurocognitive and property crimes, prison expenses, court and criminal testing and electroencephalography/quantitative electro- costs, emergency room visits, health care utilization, encephalography measures of the phenotype findings child abuse and neglect, lost child support, foster care and in this polysubstance-based addict population. The welfare costs, reduced productivity, and unemployment. electroencephalography phenotypes identify two separate Of Americans aged 12 years or older, 22.5 million need drive systems underlying individual addiction: central nervous treatment, but only 3.8 million people receive it (SAMHSA, system overactivation and obsessive/compulsive drives. 2006). In addition to
    [Show full text]
  • Emotion-Scanning Therapy : an Integrative Use of Biofeedback and Cognitive Therapy in Pain Management
    University of Massachusetts Amherst ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst Doctoral Dissertations 1896 - February 2014 1-1-1986 Emotion-scanning therapy : an integrative use of biofeedback and cognitive therapy in pain management. Nancy J. Erskine University of Massachusetts Amherst Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_1 Recommended Citation Erskine, Nancy J., "Emotion-scanning therapy : an integrative use of biofeedback and cognitive therapy in pain management." (1986). Doctoral Dissertations 1896 - February 2014. 1401. https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_1/1401 This Open Access Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctoral Dissertations 1896 - February 2014 by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. For more information, please contact [email protected]. EMOTION-SCANNING THERAPY- AN INTEGRATIVE USE OF BIOFEEDBACK AND COGNITIVE THERAPY IN PAIN MANAGEMENT A Dissertation Presented By NANCY JANE ERSKINE Submitted to the Graduate School of the University of Massachusetts in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY February, 1986 Department of Psychology EMOTION-SCANNING THERAPY- AN INTEGRATIVE USE OF BIOFEEDBACK AND COGNITIVE THERAPY IN PAIN I^IANAGEMENT A Dissertation Presented By NANCY JANE ERSKINE Approved as to style and content by: Seymour Epstein, Chairperson of Committee Morton Harmatz, Member Ronnie Janbf f^Bulman , Member D. Nico Spinfelli, Member Seymour Berger, Deparjtment Head Department of Psychol/ogy 11 Nancy Jane Erskine All Rights Reserved . ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS In embarking upon the pursuit of a graduate degree it IS important to have access to people who represent the forerunners in one's field of study.
    [Show full text]
  • Relaxation Techniques? a Substantial Amount of Research Has Been Done on Relaxation Techniques
    U.S. Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health Relaxation Techniques © Thinkstock What’s the Bottom Line? How much do we know about relaxation techniques? A substantial amount of research has been done on relaxation techniques. However, for many health conditions, the number or size of the studies has been small, and some studies have been of poor quality. What do we know about the effectiveness of relaxation techniques? Relaxation techniques may be helpful in managing a variety of health conditions, including anxiety associated with illnesses or medical procedures, insomnia, labor pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Psychological therapies, which may include relaxation techniques, can help manage chronic headaches and other types of chronic pain in children and adolescents. Relaxation techniques have also been studied for other conditions, but either they haven’t been shown to be useful, research results have been inconsistent, or the evidence is limited. What do we know about the safety of relaxation techniques? Relaxation techniques are generally considered safe for healthy people, although there have been a few reports of negative experiences, such as increased anxiety. People with serious physical or mental health problems should discuss relaxation techniques with their health care providers. What Are Relaxation Techniques? Relaxation techniques include a number of practices such as progressive relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback, self-hypnosis, and deep breathing exercises. The goal is similar in all: to produce the body’s natural relaxation response, characterized by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a feeling of increased well-being. Meditation and practices that include meditation with movement, such as yoga and tai chi, can also promote relaxation.
    [Show full text]
  • A Contemplative Biofeedback Intervention for Adults with ASD
    Brief Report: A Contemplative Biofeedback Intervention for Adults with ASD: Feasibility of a Community-Based Treatment Rachel S. Brezis1*, Amitai Levin1*, Yuval Oded2, Opher Zahavi3, Nava Levit-Binnun1 1Sagol Center for Brain and Mind, Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Israel 2 Center for CBT-BFTM, Tel Aviv, Israel 3Beit-Ekstein Organization, Kerem Maharal, Israel * Joint first-authors Corresponding author: Rachel S. Brezis Sagol Center for Brain and Mind Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya P.O.Box 167 Herzliya 46150 ISRAEL Email: [email protected] Abstract Background: As the number of adults living with ASD continues to grow, a lack of resources and lack of available interventions exacerbate their low quality of life, including low levels of education and employment, and high levels of co-morbid anxiety and depression. Here we build upon existing research showing the effectiveness of contemplative interventions on individuals with ASD, to provide a low-cost biofeedback- enhanced training which can be implemented by non-professional staff, and may help autistic individuals grasp abstract contemplative techniques. We hypothesize that the intervention will decrease participants’ anxiety and autism symptoms, and increase their self-awareness, self-determination, and empathy. Method: Fourteen adults with ASD, residing in assisted living, were provided with 16 weekly half-hour contemplative-biofeedback sessions with non-professional trainers, in which they learned to reduce their arousal levels through combined biofeedback and contemplative techniques, and apply those to everyday life. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected pre- and post-intervention, to determine changes in participants’ self- awareness, self-determination, anxiety, autism symptoms, and empathy.
    [Show full text]
  • Biofeedback Can Improve Mindfulness for Chronic Pain
    Biofeedback ÓAssociation for Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback Volume 46, Issue 1, pp. 15–20 www.aapb.org DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-46.1.06 SPECIAL ISSUE ‘‘Watch the Screen’’: Biofeedback Can Improve Mindfulness for Chronic Pain Saul Rosenthal, PhD, BCB Newton, MA Keywords: chronic pain, mindfulness, acceptance, biofeedback Chronic pain has a significant impact on the quality of cognition, emotion, family, school, work, and culture are lives for millions of people. Because it is resistant to some of the factors that interact to have an impact on the traditional medical intervention, the optimal approach to chronic pain experience (American Psychological Associa- chronic pain management relies on a biopsychosocial tion, Interprofessional Seminar on Integrated Primary Care understanding of health and treatment. To date, cognitive Work Group, 2016; Engel, 1977). It is important to point behavioral therapy (CBT) has been the treatment of choice. out that far from rejecting the biomedical model, a However, CBT’s emphasis on active control can prove biopsychosocial perspective integrates it into a more counterproductive because the cognitions, behaviors, and complete understanding of health. emotions related to pain are difficult to directly confront. Practicing from a biopsychosocial model raises many More recently, CBT has begun to integrate mindfulness, challenges, not least of which is patient (and fellow shifting toward paradigms of accepting sensations rather practitioner) buy-in. While it is relatively easy to agree than trying to change them. This is difficult for individuals with the notion that psychosocial interventions can help with chronic pain, who frequently spend significant manage pain, in the midst of a severe migraine most people resources avoiding and trying to minimize sensations.
    [Show full text]
  • PG0094 Biofeedback
    Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Policy Number: PG0094 ADVANTAGE | ELITE | HMO Last Review: 06/01/2021 INDIVIDUAL MARKETPLACE | PROMEDICA MEDICARE PLAN | PPO GUIDELINES This policy does not certify benefits or authorization of benefits, which is designated by each individual policyholder terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations contract. It does not constitute a contract or guarantee regarding coverage or reimbursement/payment. Self-Insured group specific policy will supersede this general policy when group supplementary plan document or individual plan decision directs otherwise. Paramount applies coding edits to all medical claims through coding logic software to evaluate the accuracy and adherence to accepted national standards. This medical policy is solely for guiding medical necessity and explaining correct procedure reporting used to assist in making coverage decisions and administering benefits. SCOPE X Professional X Facility DESCRIPTION Biofeedback is a therapeutic process that electronically monitors the bodies’ physiological functions, such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, salivation, peripheral vasomotor activity and muscle tension, which are fed back to the individual by means of sounds, lights or electronic devices. Biofeedback is a process that teaches individuals to voluntary control their own autonomic and neuromuscular functions. It emphasizes relaxation and stress-reducing techniques. Most proponents believe that by using these techniques, individuals can learn to control a variety of physiological responses formerly thought to be completely involuntary and thereby, help manage anxiety and pain commonly associated with stress reactions. Biofeedback is considered an alternative medicine technique. There are several different types of biofeedback. The three most commonly used forms of biofeedback therapy are electromyography (EMG), thermal biofeedback, and neurofeedback or electroencephalography (EEG).
    [Show full text]
  • An Artistic Approach to Neurofeedback for Emotion Regulation
    bioRxiv preprint doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/794560; this version posted October 7, 2019. The copyright holder for this preprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder. All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission. An artistic approach to neurofeedback for emotion regulation Damien Gabriel1,2,3 , Thibault Chabin1,2, Coralie Joucla1,2, Thomas Bussière1, Aleksandra Tarka1, Nathan Galmes1,2, Alexandre Comte1,2,3, Guillaume Bertrand4, Julie Giustiniani1,2,5, Emmanuel Haffen1,2,3,5,6 1 Clinical Investigation Centre, University Hospital of Besançon, Inserm CIC 1431 Besançon, France. 2 EA 481, Laboratory of Neurosciences, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté, Besançon, France. 3 Plateforme de neuroimagerie fonctionnelle et neurostimulation Neuraxess, Besançon, France. 4 3615 Señor, Friche artistique 10 avenue de Chardonnet 25000 Besançon 5 Department of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France. 6 FondaMental Foundation, Créteil , France. *Corresponding author: [email protected] Postal address : Centre d’investigation Clinique, 2 place saint Jacques, 25000 Besançon, France. Keywords: neurofeedback ; emotion ; art Declarations of interest : none. Abstract Neurofeedback has been shown to be a promising tool for learning to regulate one's own emotions in healthy populations and in neuropsychiatric disorders. While it has been suggested that neurofeedback performance improves when sensory feedback is related to the pathology under consideration, it is still difficult to represent in real time a proper feedback representative of our emotional state. Since emotion is a central part of people’s dealings with artworks, we have initiated a collaboration between neuroscientists and artists to develop a visual representation of emotions that can be used in neurofeedback experiences.
    [Show full text]
  • Biofeedback and Hypnosis in Pain Management
    SPECIAL TOPICS Biofeedback and Hypnosis in Pain Management Eric K. Willmarth, PhD,1 and Kevin J. Willmarth, MA2 1Michigan Behavioral Consultants, Grand Rapids, MI, and 2Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH Keywords: biofeedback, neurofeedback, hypnosis, pain management, self-regulation Biofeedback and hypnosis have distinctly different histo- pain. In almost all cases this should occur within the con- ries and yet share substantial common ground as pillars text of a setting that includes medical and psychological of self-regulation. Applied to the experience of pain, each support and education. modality permits a clinician to address both the source of perceived pain and the perception of pain itself. This paper Choosing the Target will review some of the data supporting the use of Before one can begin using hypnosis or biofeedback for biofeedback and hypnosis for pain management and dis- pain management, the properties of the pain itself must cuss the theory, neurophysiology, and psychophysiology be considered. Rich Sherman (2004) in his excellent new underlying the use of these approaches. book, Pain Assessment and Intervention from a Psychophysiological Perspective, points out that the Introduction: Pain Is Real if You Feel It simplest classification considers pain as either inflamma- “Why am I being sent to a psychologist? Does my doctor tory or neuropathic. This system focuses primarily on think this pain is all in my head?” These are not uncom- identifying the underlying cause of the pain. No one can mon questions from patients who have been referred for argue that identifying the source of pain is not a won- behavioral medicine services connected to a pain manage- derful achievement.
    [Show full text]
  • Implications for Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training
    Biofeedback ÓAssociation for Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback Volume 43, Issue 1, pp. 4–5 www.aapb.org 10.5298/1081-5937-43.1.04 EDITORIAL Distinguishing Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Stress Responses: Implications for Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training Leah Lagos, PsyD Private Practice, New York, NY Keywords: traumatic brain injury, heart rate variability biofeedback, neurofeedback, postconcussion syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder Recent research has noted a significant overlap between trauma comparison group also complained of these symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and symptoms. Misattribution of these symptoms to brain postconcussion syndrome (PCS). In this article, an injury may have implications for HRV biofeedback argument is made for providing a specialized form of training, leading a clinician to feel unprepared and/or heart rate variability biofeedback that allows for the surprised when trauma reactions manifest during HRV physiological discharge of trauma among patients who training with PCS patients. present with comorbid symptoms of PTSD and PCS. As reported in previous research, patients who suffer Recommendations for clinicians who encounter the man- from PTSD often experience a somatic ‘‘release’’ of trauma ifestation of trauma during their work with PCS patients during HRV biofeedback (Whitehouse & Heller, 2010). are provided. Future areas of heart rate variability Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a concept developed by Levine biofeedback research among PCS and PTSD populations (1997),
    [Show full text]
  • Emotion Self-Regulation, Psychophysiological Coherence, and Test Anxiety: Results from an Experiment Using Electrophysiological Measures
    Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback DOI 10.1007/s10484-010-9134-x Emotion Self-Regulation, Psychophysiological Coherence, and Test Anxiety: Results from an Experiment Using Electrophysiological Measures Raymond Trevor Bradley • Rollin McCraty • Mike Atkinson • Dana Tomasino • Alane Daugherty • Lourdes Arguelles Ó Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010 Abstract This study investigated the effects of a two California high schools (N = 980), the research novel, classroom-based emotion self-regulation program reported here was conducted as a controlled pre- and post- (TestEdge) on measures of test anxiety, socioemotional intervention laboratory experiment, using electrophysio- function, test performance, and heart rate variability (HRV) logical measures, on a random stratified sample of students in high school students. The program teaches students how from the intervention and control schools (N = 136). The to self-generate a specific psychophysiological state— Stroop color-word conflict test was used as the experiment’s psychophysiological coherence—which has been shown to stimulus to simulate the stress of taking a high-stakes test, improve nervous system function, emotional stability, and while continuous HRV recordings were gathered. The post- cognitive performance. Implemented as part of a larger intervention electrophysiological results showed a pattern study investigating the population of tenth grade students in of improvement across all HRV measures, indicating that students who received the intervention program had learned how to better manage their emotions and to self-activate the R. T. Bradley Á D. Tomasino psychophysiological coherence state under stressful condi- Institute for Whole Social Science, Aorangi Retreat, Hikurangi RD 1, Northland, New Zealand tions. Moreover, students with high test anxiety exhibited e-mail: [email protected]; increased HRV and heart rhythm coherence even during a [email protected] resting baseline condition (without conscious use of the D.
    [Show full text]
  • Feasibility and Efficacy of the Addition of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback to a Remote Digital Health Intervention for Depression
    Feasibility and efficacy of the addition of heart rate variability biofeedback to a remote digital health intervention for depression Marcos Economides a*, Paul Lehrer b, Kristian Ranta a, Albert Nazander a, Outi Hilgert a, Anu Raevuori a,c,d, Richard Gevirtz e, Inna Khazan f, Valerie L. Forman-Hoffman a a Meru Health Inc, Palo Alto, CA, United States b Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States c Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland d Clinicum, Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland e Department of Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University, San Diego, United States f Harvard Medical School, Boston Center for Health Psychology and Biofeedback, United States * corresponding author: [email protected] 1 Abstract A continual rise in the prevalence of depression underscores the need for effective, long-lasting interventions that can be widely accessed. To address this, we created a comprehensive, smartphone-based, 8-week digital intervention comprising several evidence-based practices for adults with depression. Recently, there has been substantial support for heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-B) as a primary or adjunct treatment for several mental health disorders, including depression. The objectives of this study were to determine if the addition of HRV-B to our original intervention was feasible and whether patients in the HRV-B (“enhanced”) intervention were more likely
    [Show full text]
  • Hypnosis and Biofeedback in the Treatment of Tics And
    SPECIAL TOPICS Hypnosis and Biofeedback in the Treatment of Tics and Tourette Syndrome Kevin Harrington, PhD, and Timothy P. Culbert, MD Integrative Medicine Program, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, Minneapolis, MN Keywords: Tourette syndrome, tics, pediatrics, hypnosis, biofeedback Tics (vocal and motor) and Tourette syndrome are neu- curiosity to facilitate tic regulation. By using biofeed- robiologic disorders that commonly present in child- back or hypnosis, children engage more actively in their hood. Although the mainstay of treatment has been the own treatment process. use of psychotropic medications, evidence and clinical experience support the use of self-regulation strategies Mechanisms of Action for Self- including hypnosis and biofeedback as effective adjuncts Regulation Approaches or, in some cases, first-line treatments. This article Although Kohen (1995) described the successful use of reviews the rationale for using these treatment self-hypnosis for TTS, little is known about the mecha- approaches, gives a case study example, outlines specific nism of therapeutic change on a psychophysiological biofeedback modalities that are useful, and describes level. In the case of biofeedback-based relaxation train- appropriate hypnotic language and technique as applied ing, one possible explanation for benefit has to do with to the treatment of Tourette syndrome. autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance. Children with TTS frequently experience increased frequency and Introduction: Self-Regulation Strategies severity of tics with heightened levels of emotions (pos- for Tic Disorders itive or negative) and also when experiencing stress Motor and vocal tics and Tourette syndrome (TTS) are (with resultant increases in sympathetic nervous system neurobiologic disorders of variable intensity that are activity).
    [Show full text]