A long-term, single-group follow-up study of biofeedback therapy with chronic medical and psychiatric patients

Biofeedback Self Regul. 1988 Dec;13(4):331-46. doi: 10.1007/BF00999088.

Abstract

In a long-term follow-up study, 524 (93%) of 563 consecutive medical and psychiatric patients, who received an average of 8 sessions of biofeedback and relaxation training, provided follow-up evaluations of treatment outcome. Seventy-five percent reported maximum, significant, or moderate improvement. There was a significant positive association between the percent of patients improved and the number of treatment sessions up to 10 sessions, but not thereafter. Symptom frequency decreased by 54% and symptom severity by 30%. About 54% of the medicated patients reported a decrease in medication. No differential therapist effects were found. About twice as many patients rated relaxation training as most helpful compared with the audio/visual signals from biofeedback instruments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / therapy*
  • Biofeedback, Psychology*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Headache / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Relaxation Therapy*