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.
There are a number of physiological responses that can be monitored. This is achieved by using specialized instruments. Muscle tension, which is a common manifestation of apprehension, can be monitored by use of an instrument known as an electromyogram. Brain activity is determined by detecting alpha and delta waves using the encephalogram or EEG. Other biological processes that may be measured are heart rate, blood pressure and skin temperature.
The instrument helps to pick the signal from the patient and amplifies it. It is then translated into visual or audio output that can be seen or heard. The level of the output is proportional to the signal obtained from the patient. By looking or listening to the output, one can make adjustments to their body so as to gain control of their emotions, thoughts or particular physiological processes.
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.
Many other conditions with known organic causes have been said to be responsive to the treatment to varying degrees. Conditions that are aggravated or precipitated by panic states are in particular very amenable to the therapy. Asthma is one of these conditions. In asthma, the main pathology is an increase in airway resistance that makes it difficult to breathe. The electromyogram helps to detect this resistance and through relaxation, the resistance can be reduced. Other medical conditions that may benefit include hypertension, tension headaches, dysmenorrhea, bruxism and hyperactivity.
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.
There are a number of physiological responses that can be monitored. This is achieved by using specialized instruments. Muscle tension, which is a common manifestation of apprehension, can be monitored by use of an instrument known as an electromyogram. Brain activity is determined by detecting alpha and delta waves using the encephalogram or EEG. Other biological processes that may be measured are heart rate, blood pressure and skin temperature.
The instrument helps to pick the signal from the patient and amplifies it. It is then translated into visual or audio output that can be seen or heard. The level of the output is proportional to the signal obtained from the patient. By looking or listening to the output, one can make adjustments to their body so as to gain control of their emotions, thoughts or particular physiological processes.
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.
Many other conditions with known organic causes have been said to be responsive to the treatment to varying degrees. Conditions that are aggravated or precipitated by panic states are in particular very amenable to the therapy. Asthma is one of these conditions. In asthma, the main pathology is an increase in airway resistance that makes it difficult to breathe. The electromyogram helps to detect this resistance and through relaxation, the resistance can be reduced. Other medical conditions that may benefit include hypertension, tension headaches, dysmenorrhea, bruxism and hyperactivity.
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.
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