Biofeedback Clinic

Stress Reaction

Chronic stress is a condition in which an individual cannot meet the excessive demands placed upon them by the environment. Stressors can be external (situations arise from the environment – work issues, family problems, etc.) and internal (coming from our mind and body – memories, fears, etc.). In a state of stress, the brain initiates a series of physical reactions (heart palpitations, rapid breathing, muscle tension, sweating), which we call the fight-or-flight response (an evolutionary survival mechanism that enables humans to react quickly in life-threatening situations). In most cases, all these reactions return to balance once the danger is over.

However, in today's world the body can overreact to stressors that are not life-threatening (traffic jams, work pressure, family difficulties, etc.). All these reactions have long-term negative consequences on physical and psychological health because chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, arterial blockage, brain changes that contribute to the development of anxiety (especially in the form of panic disorder), depression, addiction, and eating disorders.

Brain and Body

The Stress Reaction starts in the brain. The autonomic nervous system controls autonomous bodily functions such as breathing, blood pressure, heart beating, dilation and constriction of blood vessels, etc. Within this system a physical reaction to stress also takes place: the heart beats faster (pumping blood to the muscles, heart, and vital organs), increase in pulse and blood pressure, breathing speeds up (lungs take in as much oxygen as possible which is forwarded to the brain area and increases alertness), vision, hearing, and other senses are sharpened, glucose and fats are released into the bloodstream to supply the body with the energy, the work of digestion and other physical functions are and inhibited to avoid unnecessary energy consumption, etc. All these changes happen so quickly that we are often not even aware of them because this reaction begins before the complete processing of information in the brain has even occurred. In a state of stress, the body reacts to our negative and devastating thoughts without self-inquiry, as if they were absolute truths. As a result, sometimes our bodily stress activation can be completely unjustified and contribute to unnecessary emotional suffering.

Furthermore, due to prolonged chronic stress, this reaction can become either excessively sensitive (it is triggered even by very minor stressors) or excessively prolonged once a stressful situation is over, we still feel upset even after).

Breathing

Breathing is a physiological process controlled by the autonomic nervous system, but it is also something we can affect voluntarily. The "anxious brain" in the context of the fight-or-flight response affects our breathing, which is often chest-oriented, shallow, and rapid in these situations. The good news is that there is a response back influence: breathing can also affect the brain (stress reaction)!

Breathing that is opposite to "anxious breathing," i.e., slow, deep, and abdominal breathing, is associated with reduced stress and decreased anxiety. Additionally, such breathing reduces blood pressure, slows down heart rate, increases heart rate variability, and enhances the production of alpha waves (reduction of stress hormones, balance of the autonomic nervous system, muscle relaxation). This type of breathing technique can be learned and for this purpose at County Special Hospital “Insula” we use the biofeedback method.

Biofeedback for Abdominal Breathing

Learning deep abdominal breathing is often an integral part of stress and anxiety reduction treatment. At County Special Hospital “Insula” we have many years of experience in teaching the biofeedback method which allows individuals to monitor and gain control over biological functions that typically occur automatically below the level of consciousness with the help of computer equipment and sensors. Sensors measure breathing in real time and send that information to a computer screen via biofeedback devices. The patient becomes more aware of their breathing (shown by animation on the screen) and the therapist shows him how to modify it towards improving health and relaxation. This training is often combined with biofeedback training for heart rate variability and determining the resonant frequency of breathing, i.e., the optimal breathing speed in order to make it more smooth and have a calming effect on our body. Biofeedback for abdominal breathing is conducted by teaching a relaxation method that the patient, once learned, can apply whenever (and wherever) they feel the need, especially when the brain tends to exaggerate worries. The biofeedback method is widely used and helps in the treatment of tension headaches, chronic pain, insomnia, etc. Patients typically participate in biofeedback training for abdominal breathing based on the recommendation of a specialist (psychiatrist, clinical psychologist). Sessions usually last between 20-30 minutes, and our experience shows that mastering this skill typically requires between 10 and 15 sessions.

Why biofeedback training?

Abdominal breathing biofeedback is carried out for the purpose of teaching the client the method of relaxation which, once trained, can be applied whenever (and wherever) they feel the need to do so, i.e. when the brain is overstressed with worry.

If necessary, it is possible to simultaneously conduct counseling for better stress management together with biofeedback training.

Who can apply for the training?

Abdominal breathing biofeedback is especially recommended for all people whose elevated stress levels have a significant negative impact on their physical and mental health.

What do the sessions look like and how long do they last?

The first meeting consists of familiarization with the treatment, demonstration and treatment planning. One biofeedback session typically lasts between 20-30 minutes. At the end of the treatment, an evaluation session is carried out.

How many sessions are required to master the skill?

Training is usually carried out in the rhythm of two to three sessions per week in agreement with the client. Our experience shows that it takes between 10 and 15 sessions to master the skill. Between sessions, the patient is encouraged to practice the abdominal breathing technique independently according to the therapist's instructions.

How do I apply?

It is necessary to request a referral for an initial assessment from your own general practitioner and make an appointment for a specialist examination (psychiatrist, clinical psychologist). Inclusion in the treatment depends on the assessment of the specialist.

Contact

If interested contact us at: biofeedback@sb-insula.hr