The psychological and physiological effects of integrated cognitive-behavioral and biofeedback therapy on panic disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi
Journal Volume
122
Journal Issue
12
Start Page
1305
End Page
1312
ISSN
0929-6646
Date Issued
2023-12
Author(s)
Ma, Chia-Hao
Chang, Hung-Yeh
Lee, Hui-Chun
Yu, Yu-Fang
Tien, Hsin-Shan
Lin, Yu-Hsuan
Liu, Meng-Ying
Lin, Yi-Ling
Ma, Huei-Mei
Lin, Kuan-Fu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and biofeedback therapy are commonly regarded as effective treatment modalities for panic disorder. The aim of this study was to establish a Taiwanese version of an integrated cognitive-behavioral and biofeedback therapy (ICB) and examine its effects on panic disorder using psychological and physiological indicators. METHODS: Thirty patients with panic disorder were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned to either the ICB group (n = 15) or the treatment as usual (TAU) group (n = 15). The intervention consisted of six sessions, conducted once a week. Psychological indicators were measured at baseline (prior to intervention), week 3, and week 6, while physiological indicators were measured at baseline and week 6. The psychological indicators included five scales, with the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) being the primary measure. The physiological indicators included respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and skin conductance, which respectively represent parasympathetic and sympathetic activity. RESULTS: Considering all participants, PDSS scores significantly decreased over time, but the difference between the ICB and TAU groups did not reach statistical significance. Among the physiological indicators, resting-state RSA and RSA under relaxation showed significant between-group differences over time, with the ICB group demonstrating a more pronounced improvement in RSA. CONCLUSION: In the context of existing pharmacological treatments, the benefits of ICB for panic disorder may not be observable through psychological indicators. However, it can lead to enhancement of parasympathetic activity as evidenced by the physiological indicators.
Subjects
Biofeedback therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Panic disorder
Randomized controlled trial
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia
SDGs
Type
journal article