Tolerance of chronic dyspnea using a hypnoeducational approach: a case report.
A 48-year-old woman with severe, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was instructed in the use of peak-flow feedback and hypnotically induced relaxation to reduce the intensity of dyspnea during periods of anxiety. Peak-flow information provided physiologic feedback as well as a safety feature in the event that subjective improvement did not correspond with objective physiologic improvement. I used a progressive relaxation method for inducing hypnosis and gave her suggestions of well-being and muscle relaxation. Peak-flow feedback was useful in enhancing the patient's confidence that hypnotic relaxation was successful in improving respiratory function.
Acosta-Austan
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F
West Jersey Hospital, Berlin Division, NJ 08009.
D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012064:Relaxation Therapy