Biofeedback therapy presents a solution to managing panic disorder, according to Richenel Ellecom, director of the Institute for Health Behavior Change Inc. in Willowbrook.
In a 12-week program, Ellecom begins first with a diagnostic profile. Through testing he will explore the patient`s personality, evaluate his or her willingness to learn and determine if the disorder is stress-related. The second step is to measure muscle tension and blood flow to the skin, using electrodes under simulated stress conditions. Feedback is immediate on a computer screen, where the clinician and patient can see the body`s response. Is there a significant shift in blood flow? Are the muscles tensing?
The third step in biofeedback therapy is to change the reactions that accompany stress-related functions. The success rate for this third and most important step is determined largely by the patient`s willingness to learn, the motivation to practice, and the degree of self-discipline, Ellecom said.
In the 12 weeks of biofeedback therapy, the patient learns to manage the internal environment through self-regulatory training. Using the feedback from the instruments as a gauge, the brain builds a program that is less reactive. ”The purpose is to decrease arousal of the sympathetic nervous system,” Ellecom said. ”There are two hypotheses regarding panic disorder: One is that it is neurotransmitted (a physical disorder) and the other that it is a conditioned response.”
In either case, the typical characteristics of a person suffering from this disorder are non-assertive, conflicting, heightened sensory responses, and fearful of fear.
Ellecom sees a high success rate among his patients who are willing to follow the program until the tools become operational, and then automatic.
”When relaxing becomes a natural process, then we have learned to manage panic disorder.”
Marcia (a pseudonym) of Hinsdale completed biofeedback therapy with Ellecom two years ago.
”I was determined to overcome the grip that panic had on my life, so I entered biofeedback therapy with a resolve to succeed and to be free of drugs,” she said. ”It was a slow but steady course, with plenty of homework. Gradually I learned to condition myself to react to the onset of panic. Today I ride elevators, willingly board airplanes, and sit comfortably in darkened theaters.
”When I feel a panic attack coming on, my conditioned responses and breathing techniques automatically kick in and I can get a handle on it before it becomes a full-blown attack. There`s a good chance that it will always be with me, but it doesn`t frighten me anymore because now I am in control.”
