Unit 3 - LAC2 - Treatments: Biofeedback

Question 1

What is biofeedback?

Answer 1

Biofeedback is a mind-body technique that helps individuals control certain physiological impacts to stress

Question 2

Give an example of physiological impacts in stress

Answer 2

heart rate, breathing patterns, and muscle tension

Question 3

Aside from stress, what else can we use it for?

Answer 3

Biofeedback can help manage conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, incontinence, high blood pressure, and migraines

Question 4

How does biofeedback therapy work?

Answer 4

sensors are placed on the body to measure physiological signals. The feedback from these sensors helps individuals learn to make voluntary changes to their body’s functions

Question 5

What is the aim of this feedback?

Answer 5

to recognise the physiological response and use voluntary changes to reduce physical signs of stress

Question 6

What voluntary changes are they taught to reduce the impacts of stress?

Answer 6

Breathing exercises

Question 7

What is the primary goal of biofeedback?

Answer 7

The primary goal of biofeedback is to help individuals gain control over involuntary bodily functions to improve their physical and mental health

Question 8

What are the benefits of biofeedback therapy?

Answer 8

The benefits of biofeedback therapy include improved control over physiological functions, reduced symptoms of various conditions, and enhanced overall well-being

Question 9

What is a weakness of biofeedback?

Answer 9

• It doesnt treat the root cause of the problem only the symptoms
• Biofeedback is usually not used as a standalone treatment but is often combined with other therapies, such as medication or psychotherapy

Question 10

What is meant by operant conditioning?

Answer 10

learn through reinforcement/ consequence

Question 11

How does biofeedback used operant conditioning?

Answer 11

Feedback can be given in the form of a game where they are given points (rewards)

Question 12

When are points given in biofeedback?

Answer 12

every time the patient is able to lower their heart rate.

Question 13

Why are points given every time the patient heart rate lowers.

Answer 13

So, they associate the reward with the action of lowering their heart rate using breathing techniques.

Question 14

What happens over time

Answer 14

individual learns to associate the positive feedback with the desired physiological state, reinforcing the behavior through repetition and practice