Feedback is an important biological adaptation of living organisms. It is the mechanism by which the organisms sense and respond to changes in their internal and external environments and respond to them as is appropriate. This whole process occurs through what is known as feedback loops. Biofeedback works in very much the same way. There are a number of things on biofeedback therapy Santa Fe residents should know even as they consider this option of treatment.
The way this works is quite simple. Sub threshold signals from various physiological processes are detected and relayed to a person as an external output. The patient then learns to modify the physiological process by responding to the signal. This is what is known as conditioning. Over the last several decades, biofeedback has undergone huge improvements thanks to research activities by psychologists.
The physiological processes that can be monitored are mainly the involuntary biological functions. This is achieved by the use of special instruments depending on the system that is being evaluated. Electrical potentials of muscle fibers are one of the components measured and this is done by the electromyogram or EMG. Brain activity is measured using an instrument known as the electroencephalogram. Other parameters include skin temperature, heart rate and blood pressure.
Signals that are usually undetectable under normal circumstances are detected and amplified. They are then converted into either audio or visual output for the patient to respond. There is direct proportionality between the level of signal produces and the initial stimulus produced by the physiological process. The signal is higher when the patient is distressed and lower when they are more relaxed.
The indications for biofeedback have been increasing over time. A group of conditions known as anxiety disorders have been reported to respond very well to the treatment. Some of them include social and specific phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder s and generalized anxiety disorders. The treatment is largely based on relaxation.
Apart from the psychiatric conditions, studies have established the benefit of the treatment in a number of medical conditions. Those that are related to panic states have shown a particularly good response. Asthma, for example, can be treated through monitoring with an electromyogram and instituting relaxation techniques to counter the symptoms. Relaxation in this case helps to reduce air resistance and to improve breathing. Other conditions treated in a similar manner include hyperactivity, bruxism, tension headaches, dysmenorrhea and hypertension.
The therapy places a number of responsibilities on the patients as they have to participate in maintaining their well-being. By examining their daily lives, they learn to identify factors that may be contributing to their distress. It is only through their recognition of the fact they can remedy their illnesses through commitment to regular relaxation that the therapy can work. They must be ready to modify their habits and adopt good ones.
If they choose biofeedback therapy Santa Fe residents need to know that the treatment cannot be used on its own. There are many other treatments with which it can be combined to get the best response. These include treatments such as psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Proper family support should be in place as well.
The way this works is quite simple. Sub threshold signals from various physiological processes are detected and relayed to a person as an external output. The patient then learns to modify the physiological process by responding to the signal. This is what is known as conditioning. Over the last several decades, biofeedback has undergone huge improvements thanks to research activities by psychologists.
The physiological processes that can be monitored are mainly the involuntary biological functions. This is achieved by the use of special instruments depending on the system that is being evaluated. Electrical potentials of muscle fibers are one of the components measured and this is done by the electromyogram or EMG. Brain activity is measured using an instrument known as the electroencephalogram. Other parameters include skin temperature, heart rate and blood pressure.
Signals that are usually undetectable under normal circumstances are detected and amplified. They are then converted into either audio or visual output for the patient to respond. There is direct proportionality between the level of signal produces and the initial stimulus produced by the physiological process. The signal is higher when the patient is distressed and lower when they are more relaxed.
The indications for biofeedback have been increasing over time. A group of conditions known as anxiety disorders have been reported to respond very well to the treatment. Some of them include social and specific phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder s and generalized anxiety disorders. The treatment is largely based on relaxation.
Apart from the psychiatric conditions, studies have established the benefit of the treatment in a number of medical conditions. Those that are related to panic states have shown a particularly good response. Asthma, for example, can be treated through monitoring with an electromyogram and instituting relaxation techniques to counter the symptoms. Relaxation in this case helps to reduce air resistance and to improve breathing. Other conditions treated in a similar manner include hyperactivity, bruxism, tension headaches, dysmenorrhea and hypertension.
The therapy places a number of responsibilities on the patients as they have to participate in maintaining their well-being. By examining their daily lives, they learn to identify factors that may be contributing to their distress. It is only through their recognition of the fact they can remedy their illnesses through commitment to regular relaxation that the therapy can work. They must be ready to modify their habits and adopt good ones.
If they choose biofeedback therapy Santa Fe residents need to know that the treatment cannot be used on its own. There are many other treatments with which it can be combined to get the best response. These include treatments such as psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Proper family support should be in place as well.
About the Author:
When you need biofeedback therapy Santa Fe residents can turn to Optimal Body brain (www.optimalbodybrain.com). To see all that we can do for you, visit us now at http://www.optimalbodybrain.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment