A comparison of biofeedback-mediated relaxation and group therapy in the treatment of chronic anxiety

Am J Psychiatry. 1975 Jun;132(6):598-601. doi: 10.1176/ajp.132.6.598.

Abstract

The authors compared treatment of chronic anxiety with biofeedback-mediated electromyographic (EMG) relaxation to treatment with group psychotherapy in a control group. Feedback patients were given two weeks of EMG relaxation training followed by two weeks of self-practice. Significant decreases were found in the feedback group in electromyogram levels, mood distrubance, trait anxiety, and (to a lesser extent) state anxiety; no such decreases occurred in the control group. The authors suggest that EMG feedback can be an important adjunct therapy for chronic anxiety.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Affective Symptoms / therapy
  • Anxiety*
  • Autogenic Training
  • California
  • Chronic Disease
  • Electromyography*
  • Feedback*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Military Psychiatry
  • Naval Medicine
  • Personality Inventory
  • Psychotherapy, Group*
  • Relaxation*
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Self-Assessment