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The psychophysiology of asthma
1. Gregg. Psychic and physiological mechanisms in dyspnoea and precordial discomfort of non-organic origin M. ~~j~h~;se~~ and 8. Gwssen. Hyperventilation and panic attacks B. Gczrssen, C. de Ruiter, H. Rijlien, mzd F. Krfzaiffr~ur, Recognition of symptoms during voluntary hyperventilation E. Peper and M. MucHose, Hyperventilation symptoms: Breathing patterns and/or hypocapnia? L,. Lum. Factors influencing symptom threshold: Implications for treatment M. Leme~~nan & S. Blr,Lh, Respiratory parameters characterizing different basic emotions J. Z~&w~rn, H. Pals. M. Bright, C. de Loo/, and E. Griez. Respiratory diseases in panic H. Hornwefd md B. Gmxwt, Voluntary hyperventilation: The influence of duration and depth on the d~~elopnlent of symptoms M Jrqmnns, It’. CO.\-. P. Dekhuijzen. and H. Fol,qwtng, Physiotherapy and the hyperventilation syndrome E. de Brurs, A. Lunge, R. van Dyck, und P. Koele, Respiratory training prior to exposure in viva in the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia G. WII ZQderwld, D. Veltman, R. rwn Dyck. F. Tildem, andJ. Orleheke. Preliminary study of the psychophysiological responses to epinephrine infusions in patients with panic disorder and social phobia
ABSTRACTS
THE PSYCHOP~SIOLO~Y Andrew Sr. George’s
OF ASTHMA
STEPTOE Hosp~tul Medical
School, Uniuersi!y of London. U.K.
Psychophysiological studies of bronchial asthma have predominantly been concerned with two issues: the aetiology of the condition, and its ~n~~~~erne~t using behavioural techniques such as relaxation and biofeedback. Research on both aspects has been dependent on the development of suitable unobtrusive techniques for monitoring pulmonary function. It is argued here that an equally important task is to explore psychophysiological processes in the ~zairztenunce of asthma, or variations in clinical status that may coincide with specific behaviours or periods of emotional distress. Conventional laboratory paradigms such as suggestion of bronchoconstriction and mental stress testing are of limited use in this context, since they fail to elucidate the clinical significance of changes in pulmonary function. Longitudinal field studies may be more valuable, in that associations between fluctuations in mood, life experience, and asthmatic state can be investigated using time series techniques. A study of adult asthmatics is briefly described in which this strategy was used, and results are compared with the effects of suggestions of bronchoconstriction in the laboratory. Finally, the place of asthma studies within the more general framework of psychophysiological processes in disease is outlined.
ABSTRACTS
THE PSYCHOP~SIOLO~Y Andrew Sr. George’s
OF ASTHMA
STEPTOE Hosp~tul Medical
School, Uniuersi!y of London. U.K.
Psychophysiological studies of bronchial asthma have predominantly been concerned with two issues: the aetiology of the condition, and its ~n~~~~erne~t using behavioural techniques such as relaxation and biofeedback. Research on both aspects has been dependent on the development of suitable unobtrusive techniques for monitoring pulmonary function. It is argued here that an equally important task is to explore psychophysiological processes in the ~zairztenunce of asthma, or variations in clinical status that may coincide with specific behaviours or periods of emotional distress. Conventional laboratory paradigms such as suggestion of bronchoconstriction and mental stress testing are of limited use in this context, since they fail to elucidate the clinical significance of changes in pulmonary function. Longitudinal field studies may be more valuable, in that associations between fluctuations in mood, life experience, and asthmatic state can be investigated using time series techniques. A study of adult asthmatics is briefly described in which this strategy was used, and results are compared with the effects of suggestions of bronchoconstriction in the laboratory. Finally, the place of asthma studies within the more general framework of psychophysiological processes in disease is outlined.