MULTIPLE-RESPONSE BIOFEEDBACK ASSISTED RELAXATION FOR GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

Among the current interventions for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), biofeedback-based training has shown efficacy at reducing physiological arousal associated to the anxiety response. Traditional protocols however generally include recordings of a small number of physiological responses. In addition, few studies have explored if biofeedback can impact on cognitive symptoms of GAD such as excessive worry. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a multiple-response biofeedback training protocol in reducing physiological arousal of GAD and determine if these changes can impact on worry and co-occurring depressive symptoms. Fifteen GAD patients (9 women and 6 men) completed individual treatment comprising eleven biofeedback-assisted sessions. Psychophysiological recordings were taken and excessive worry, as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms, were measured before and after training. Friedman ANOVA tests and objective clinical change showed positive effects by reducing levels of excessive worry as well as reported anxiety and depressive symptoms. Improvement also occurred on muscle tension and respiratory amplitude after treatment as supported by previous studies. No significant effects were observed in respiratory rate, heart rate, peripheral temperature or skin conductance. Findings of the present study support biofeedback-based interventions as an effective alternative for GAD and co-occurring depressive symptoms.