NYMC Faculty Publications
Breathing Practices for Treatment of Psychiatric and Stress-Related Medical Conditions
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1016/j.psc.2013.01.001
Journal Title
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
First Page
121
Last Page
140
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2013
Department
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
Neurophysiological studies may explain how breathing techniques normalize stress response, emotion regulation, and autonomic and neuroendocrine system function. Breath practices have been shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, mass disasters, depression, and attention deficit disorder. Technology-assisted breathing interventions facilitate therapeutic breathing by using either static cues such as a breath pacer or real-time feedback based on physiological parameters such as heart rate variability. The empirical literature indicates that technology-assisted breathing can be beneficial in mental health treatment, though it may not be appropriate for all individuals. Initial in-person training and evaluation can improve results.
Recommended Citation
Brown, R., Gerbarg, P. L., & Muench, F. (2013). Breathing Practices for Treatment of Psychiatric and Stress-Related Medical Conditions. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 36 (1), 121-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2013.01.001
