Comparing Biofeedback to Medication for Adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Literature Review

Presentation Type

Poster

Faculty Advisor

Milton Fuentes

Access Type

Event

Start Date

26-4-2024 2:15 PM

End Date

26-4-2024 3:15 PM

Description

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders, affecting around 7 million adults in the U.S. population. The standard treatment option for GAD is medication; however, there is emerging research on the inclusion of holistic treatment methods such as biofeedback, which offers a clinical option for those who are sensitive to medications. Biofeedback is a mind-body technique that uses monitors to measure an individual's psychophysiological state, providing individualized reports which can be utilized to create awareness of physiological processes and aid in the improvement of one's health and well-being. An analysis of the literature found that biofeedback reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms; decreased somatic symptoms; controlled heart rate variability; improved emotional regulation , enhanced sleep quality in women; strengthened occupational, social and psychological functioning levels; and increased focus and relaxation in individuals. By exploring biofeedback interventions for GAD symptoms, individuals can gain a wider scope of the resources available to them along with less invasive options. This poster will review the potential of using biofeedback as an alternative treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder in comparison to medication.

Comments

Additional Author: Cole Vitelli

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Apr 26th, 2:15 PM Apr 26th, 3:15 PM

Comparing Biofeedback to Medication for Adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Literature Review

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders, affecting around 7 million adults in the U.S. population. The standard treatment option for GAD is medication; however, there is emerging research on the inclusion of holistic treatment methods such as biofeedback, which offers a clinical option for those who are sensitive to medications. Biofeedback is a mind-body technique that uses monitors to measure an individual's psychophysiological state, providing individualized reports which can be utilized to create awareness of physiological processes and aid in the improvement of one's health and well-being. An analysis of the literature found that biofeedback reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms; decreased somatic symptoms; controlled heart rate variability; improved emotional regulation , enhanced sleep quality in women; strengthened occupational, social and psychological functioning levels; and increased focus and relaxation in individuals. By exploring biofeedback interventions for GAD symptoms, individuals can gain a wider scope of the resources available to them along with less invasive options. This poster will review the potential of using biofeedback as an alternative treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder in comparison to medication.