title: Biofeedback-assisted relaxation therapy in neurocardiogenic syncope: a pilot study.
abstract: This controlled pilot study explored the effects of biofeedback assisted relaxation (BFRT) in neurocardiogenic syncope. Twenty-two patients who completed a 2-week pretest, were randomized to either treatment or wait list control, followed by a 2-week posttreatment/control period. Treatment comprised electromyograph and thermal biofeedback, autogenic and progressive relaxation, and symptom-specific recommendations. Significant differences (p < .05) between groups were observed in the headache index and loss of consciousness, favoring the BFRT group. Both groups decreased state anxiety and depression. The Millon Behavioral Health Inventory was used to assess patients' coping style and adjustment to illness. The majority of the adult participants evidenced illness overreaction, preoccupation with illness, depressive feelings, and tendencies to nonadherence to therapy. BFRT is of potential benefit to patients with neurocardiogenic syncope, but further study is necessary to define the influence of coping style on outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Ohio, 3120 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43614, USA. amcgrady@mco.edu
authors.forename: Angele V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: McGrady
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kern-Buell
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.forename: Rosalie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Devonshire
authors.forename: Alice L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Claggett
authors.forename: Blair P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Grubb
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome