Biofeedback for hyperventilation syndrome

Whether as a chronic condition or occurring periodically as a result of psychological stress, hyperventilation clinically causes a reduction in peripheral and central blood flow, as well as an increase in sympathetic activity and a reduction in vagal tone. This manifests itself in those affected as a range of physical symptoms (palpitations, dizziness, tension, anxiety, a feeling of suffocation, etc.).

As it is rarely diagnosed in German-speaking countries, hyperventilation syndrome is seldom treated as such. Instead, the symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to other organic conditions, such as primary cardiovascular diseases.

Treatment using biofeedback

Somatic symptoms are induced by repeatedly performing deliberate hyperventilation. These experienced symptoms are then discussed following the hyperventilation episode – the aim being to reattribute the symptoms, which may originally have been attributed to a serious, unknown organic condition.

Training in abdominal breathing and slow, deep breathing is supported by feedback from the respiratory curve and results in a reduction in respiratory rate. In combination with this, passive respiratory feedback ultimately leads to deeper relaxation by increasing vagal tone.

Effectiveness

Depending on the treatment plan, lasting results are achieved after approximately 8 to 16 sessions:

• Reduction in the frequency of complaints
• Positive change in coping with illness: reattribution of symptoms from unknown organic diseases to one’s own behaviour.

Psychology and Psychosomatics:
 – Relaxation training
 – Anxiety and panic attacks 
 – Stress assessment
 – Sleep disorders

Pain management:
 – Chronic head and back pain
 – Bruxism/facial pain
 – Migraine
General Medicine
 – Hyperventilation syndrome
 – High blood pressure
 – Raynaud’s disease
 – Asthma
 – Incontinence
 – Paralysis
Neurofeedback:
 – ADHD/concentration difficulties  
Competitive sport