Heart attacks and strokes wreak havoc throughout Europe but often travel incognito. a majority of people in nine European countries recognize few or no warning signs of these potentially deadly conditions, a new study finds.

About half of Europeans don’t realize that it’s best to call an ambulance when someone displays stroke symptoms, say psychologist Jutta Mata of the University of Basel in Switzerland and her colleagues. People with high blood pressure or who are obese — two key risk factors for heart attack and stroke — knew no more about warning signs or how to respond to strokes than anyone else, the researchers will report in Health Expectations.

“Across all nine countries, people knew surprisingly little about heart attack and stroke symptoms and how to react to them,” Mata says.

The findings come from a sample of 10,228 inhabitants of Austria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom. Participants’ ages ranged from 14 to 98.

Mata’s team analyzed health data collected as part of a massive European consumer survey conducted in late 2006.

Among six established warning signs of a heart attack, chest pain was the only symptom recognized by most people — 80 percent. Almost half the participants linked shortness of breath and arm or shoulder pain to heart attacks. that figure fell to 21 percent for anxiety and for intense nausea and dizziness, and dropped to 7.5 percent for stomach pain.

Among 14 warning signs of a stroke, volunteers most often recognized slurred speech, paralysis and a lopsided face. but no symptom was recognized by more than 44 percent of Europeans. Nineteen percent didn’t know any stroke symptoms.

Italians, Spaniards, Poles and Russians recognized the fewest heart attack and stroke symptoms.

These findings highlight a disturbing lack of health knowledge among Europeans, but it’s unclear whether educational efforts would work best via physician discussions, public-service messages or other strategies, Mata says.

A random telephone survey of 76,864 U.S. citizens in 2007, led by epidemiologist Jing Fang of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, found that most participants reported knowing at least one of five symptoms of each condition. but fewer than 20 percent of people recognized all relevant symptoms, knew that decoy symptoms mentioned by interviewers didn’t apply and said that they would call 911 if someone had a heart attack or stroke.

In that study, volunteers were asked to say “yes” or “no” to six possible signs of heart attacks and strokes, five of which were actual symptoms. a tendency to say “yes” to please the interviewer or as a default strategy may have made it seem like participants knew more than they actually did, Fang says.

Questions also remain about the accuracy of the European findings, asserts internist Lisa Schwartz of the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice in Lebanon, N.H.

Interviewers contacted set numbers of people in different economic and social groups within each country, a method that may not yield a truly representative sample, Schwartz says. Results for young women, for instance, would vary greatly if they were predominantly contacted at an STD clinic, a shopping mall or an SAT course. Found in: Body & Brain and Psychology

By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News EditorReviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on November 8, 2010

A UK psychologist believes untreated ADHD is a significant underlying cause of crime.

Dr. Susan Young, at Broadmoor Hospital, shares her beliefs in a paper in which she explores the connection between ADHD and criminal activity.

Young believes early intervention can reduce crime and actually divert youths from a criminal path.

The paper, co-written by Emily Goodwin, King’s College London and Institute of Psychiatry, was published in the Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, an international journal on drugs and medicines in clinical neurology and neuropsychiatry.

Young said, “Failure to recognize and treat ADHD offenders is likely to have serious consequences for mental health and social outcomes.

“The high rates of ADHD among this group, the consumption and costs of the resources they incur, mean that it is not a condition we can afford to ignore. Given that ADHD is a treatable condition with interventions available that are used to effectively treat ADHD symptoms and related behavioral problems in the general population, the enormity of this problem and its associated costs are too great to bear.”

Source: West London Mental Health NHS Trust

I've noticed some troubling red flags displayed by my toddler son and fear he may have autism. I'm not jumping to conclusions yet and I made an appointment to see a pediatric psychologist to see if that's true. The waiting now is killing me. I'm wondering how I can deal with all of my emotions about this. I'm terrified of the diagnosis of autism. However, I know that if he does have autism, an early intervention and treatment is critical. when I first saw a list of autism symptoms, I nearly threw up because so many of them described my son. How does a parent cope with this?

i had a friend with a son who has autism and he was such a wonderful child! please just remember that so many people deal with autism and much worse and you CAN do it. just arm yourself with knowledge and know that there is a support system out there to help you.
good luck!

Well to start I'm fourteen, so I don't have any children

But my mum's friend had trouble conceiving so they had IVF and gave birth to a girl, later she discovered she was pregnant again, naurally, she was thrilled!

When she gave birth the nurses immediately noticed that there was something different about her son, he was diagnosed with Down's Syndrome. she seemed to cope well considering the shock and since my mum is a Special needs Assistant working in a school for the severe and profound she offered her much guidance and support.

She was coping really well and was very enthuastic when it came to teaching him things, and was always pround to show off his new talents. she began to notice things, he loved to sing and dance so she taught him loads of Norweigian songs, though he couldn't pronounce words fully he always recognises the song and humms along.

Sorry if this hasn't seemed relevant so far, but last year he was diagnosed with autism, so you can imagine the blow that took, but she still is so proud of what he can do and has such a great connection with him.

Stay strong and focus on the positives, he's still your son, and he will always love you ~*~

My grandson has autism. just remember he your child and he is special. There is Autism groups here local that can be a great help. we found out that local pediatric will not deal with it. you need to get with the Autism group to guide you how to get help you need. I truly hope your child does not have autism . but, If so there is people that will help you. you are not alone. If so, you need to start working working with the child a.s.a.p. Sooner the better, don't let the local pediatric hinder you for help. we went Thur this. we got outside help and now my grandson is doing great. The autism group was a great help on getting help for us.

Our prayers is with you and your family. Remember God gave you a special gift.

It's good that you are getting your child evaluated early so that IF there is a diagnosis of autism or another developmental delay, you can do early intervention and treatment.

The thing to remember with the list of symptons is a matter of degree so your kid could display some of the signs but it still be a part of typical development. Or caused by something else.

If your child does receive the label of autism or any developmental delay it will be difficult for you emotionally. I would encourage you to seek out local support groups for parents of children with autism AND to pursue agressive and intensive intervention, even though that may be exhausting, because the early it is dealt with the better the outcome for your child.

My son is 4 and is Autistic. I was in your shoes about 2 1/2 years ago. I first noticed something wrong when he didn't say a first word. He just babbled and made sounds but no words. Then he was delayed on a lot of motor skills and potty training wasn't happening. I took him to pediatrician and she suggested the notion of Autism. I went home and looked up the symptoms and same as you I cried and felt sick over it. I wondered why us? I had a good pregnancy and didn't drink or smoke or anything. we took our son to a Pediatric Neurologist and a psychologist. He was diagnosed and we started the Birth to three program and regular speech and occupational therapies. He is now in early childhood, speaking sentences with help and is doing well. It is ok to cry but intervention will help. Good luck and this will pass and you will learn to accept it and do the best you can.

Well, I have Asperger's, and it was very hard for my mom when she found out about my diagnosis. Maybe you should go to a support group so people can have empathy with you about it.
think about the positive things about autism. some of the positive things about autism are honesty, being able to think in pictures very well, and having a special interest. not that all autistic children have this, but these characterists can come from it.

deep breaths. my nephew has high functioning autism. at first we were all very worried by the label this put on him. but, he is 5 now, and has been diagnosed for 2 years. what this really meant for us, was that he didn't learn and interact socially like other children, and writing was difficult to learn, so WE readjusted. he excels in memory issues- directions, video games, songs. when he's excited he humms and/or flaps is hands. but it also looks just like he's a kid! the biggest challenge for us was his social interaction. he did not like new environments, and strangers, or new routines, was slow to talk, and did not take getting fussed at very well. once he was diagnosed, it really was a blessing. the was a special early pre-k that our school offered to give him a jump start of social interactions with other children, other than daycare, as well as one-on-one with teachers he grew to know and trust. he has really done well, with their help, and will be integrated into regular kindergarten- ready to ride the school bus no doubt! he is not cured, and never will be. you can really hardly notice, though. at first he looks like he's shy and in his own world, until he trusts you, then you can do no wrong. talk to your doctor, and local schools. be proactive about it, do the research, and know your rights. y'all will do well, you're on the right track!

I cried lots once we got the first diagnosis. Then I called our local autism society and got help. from there we got inot Early Intervention which was a godsend as we were already in speech therapy so we just added developmental and occupational. Then we went to 2 specialists the first told us our son was a behavioral case and we werent structured at all. The second confrimed hte high functioning autism diagnosis. He gave us info and counseling and listened to our fears. He helped me cope better than anyone.
The best piece of advice I got was he is still your son and the only difference between now and before you got the diagnosis was a label.

I have a special needs child and he didn't start walking until he was 2 1/2 or talking complete sentence until he was 6. He is now 13 years old and can't even spell his name or write anything or read. but he can sing (he memorizes all the words in a song) He watch movies and memorizes the whole movie that when he watches again he actually put in mute and says the lines himself.
If you child does have autism, this special child wil need much love. his progress may be very slow,accomplishments he may not show. He will require extra care, he may not run, play or laugh at the same time other child his age do. He will probably be labled different, helpless and disabled, but this child was sent to you from above, with child this comes stronger faith, and richer love. in caring for your gift from heaven. He is your special gift, care for him, love him and different with respect.
God will help you thru this. just believe.
Good luck, there will be times you want to throw you hands up in the air and runaway, but you won't.

The most important thing to remember is that this little guy is still your son regardless of whatever 'label' he winds up with.
The second thing you have to do, is to keep telling yourself (because it's true), that your initial feelings of shock, despair. helplessness, grief- whatever- will fade-eventually to the point where you will barely remember them. Please know that I am not attempting to trivialize your feelings and emotions- I would never do that to another mom in the ranks. I will tell you three resources that have been invalueable to me over the last 20 (oh my gosh- it's gone by SO fast!) years. The first is :The Autism Society of America
autism-society.org -lots of resources, and they can refer you to a parent support group in your area. I would like to interject here that parent support groups are great. you will find NO better resources than other parents- they have all 'been there, done that'. There are also two publishing companies that publish special needs books. they are: Woodbine House
woodbinehouse.com
and Brooke's Publishing
brookespublishing.com
They have the very latest books, and that's what you want.
Once you get back on the ground- when the initial emotions subside, you will want to educate yourself on everything about Autism. Learn what your rights are in regards to your son's education, what therapies you should be seeking, information about the physical and mental ramifications an Autism diagnosis involves, what alternative treatments are out there, and on and on and on. just remember- knowledge is power. oh, and a mantra that has always worked for me, as I have raised my son with Autism and my daughter with Down Syndrome- the whole educational aspect can be a war- you need to choose your battles carefully. this will make more sense as your son gets older. I so hope I haven't discouraged you. That is not my intent. All these things having been said, then, I will tell you with all my heart that raising my children has made me a much better, kinder, loving, understanding, tolerant, and definitely more patient person. both my kids are warm, loving, smart and funny- they make me laugh every single day. and when all is said and done, that's a pretty neat thing. God Bless you and your family. My thoughts are with you.

As a parent who too has a child with neurological disorder, I understand the fear, sadness and disappointment you may be going through. There is no magic way to take those feelings away. What helped me was learning as much as I could about the disability.
The more you learn what your child can do, the less you worry about the possible barriers you and your family may face.
They are many wonderful support groups for parents who have children with special needs. see if you can find one in your area. If not, start one.
The more proactive you are about the situation, the more control you will have it!
Good Luck!

My son is 3 and a nonverbal autist. He was diagnosed a little before he was 2. That was very fortunate as early intervention is the key.

My husband went through the whole grief process: denial, anger, bargaining and finally acceptance. I immediately went into "warrior mom" mode. I researched and read and became very involved with his treatment. To the point that I now work for the school district that educates him. I did grieve for awhile. It is important as the parent you do this. It is ok to mourn for the child you thought you had and envisioned. BUT do not stay in that frame of mind long because autism or no autism, he is your child and a blessing.

On the postive side here are some things our son has given our family (we have a total of 4 children):
*patience (couldn't we all use more of that?)
*unconditional love
*acceptance of all disabilities
*togetherness because we all work with him
*civic mindedness-we educate our schools and small community about autism
*responsibility for ourselves (because mom can't do it all!)

And these are just a few. I thank God everyday it is not cancer or some other incurable disease. I thank God I have been blessed and entrusted with this extraordinary little boy. Keep a gratitude list to refer to when the going gets tough and join a support group. they are all over the world.

Best wishes!

Just tell people that your autistic child is normal

You will grieve-every parent does. you had planned for and had a vision of what your child would become. That child is not going to come into being. Instead, you have a different child than you had planned for. There are no instructions on how to raise this child and there's fear because there is so much uncertainty. What's important is getting over the grieving as quickly as possible. It is not healthy for you or your child to dwell on things you cannot change.

Your child has not changed-he's always been who he's been, only now you understand why he has difficulties in some areas. now you can get him the help and services he needs. his childhood will be anything but typical and you will discover a creative resivior within yourself you never knew you had. as your child grows, you will grow because you will learn about life from a totally different perspective.

Trust me, it is not all negative. There's so much joy to be found if you look for it. many organizations put forth an image of autism being this unimaginable hell. I'm at a loss as to why they do this as it does nothing to help the autistics themselves, it only further propogates a false stereotype. It only adds to the stigma and that's probably why you're terrified of the diagnosis.

If your child is autistic, he has a developmental disability. this means he will develop on his own schedule and it won't mirror the development of typical children. Toileting may take a while, talking may take a while, reading and focus may take a while. Adding pressure to his development by trying to force something to happen will end in failure. Instead, nurture the abilities your child does have. Give your child a sense of purpose and self worth. this will pay dividends you couldn't imagine.

It takes extreme patience but you're in for a journey many people will never know. make the best of it and you will find what seems now to be impossible.

My child has Autism and related communication difficulties of Apraxia and Auditory Processing challenges. He first received a diagnosis of PDD-NOS Pervasive Developmental Disorder- not otherwise specified because he was young and didn't completely fit the criteria for a diagnosis of Autism. although he has continued to be social he is primarily non-verbal and has many difficulties including fine motor skills that are not the level of his same age peers. his diagnosos is now Autism with a secondary diagnosis of Communication Disorder. It is truthfully an emotional journey if your child receives a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum from PDD-NOS, Aspergers, to Autism. The bad news/good news is that you are not alone. Autism Speaks autismspeaks.org states that every 20 minues a child is diagnosed with Autism! The most helpful thing to do is connect with other families and state and national organizations that can point you toward the many intervention and treatment options available. ABA Applied Behavior Analysis is among the top methods for helping children on the Spectrum learn to learn and connect with their world. you can learn to be a therapist for your child and help develop a bond with them through the implementation of a home ABA program. Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Autism is an excellent resource to begin learning about ABA. Additional treatments that we believe in are a special diet GFCF Gluten Free/Casein Free (plus we also omit yeast, soy, eggs, artifical sweeteners); and supplementation of vitamins and minerals helps greatly make up for malabsorption issues, and further biomedical treatments that get to the root of the symptoms. Use the ARI or Autism Research Institute website to locate a DAN doctor near you for guidance in the Defeat Autism now treatment protocol.

30 years ago this month, my son’s autistic symptoms emerged.having lived with autism in the family for almost 3 decades, Individualized Autism Intervention for Young Children: Blending Discrete Trial and Naturalistic Strategies, is quite simply, in my opinion, the best book yet in sorting out what we know and what we can do to alter the course of autism in young children.As an expert senior psychologist and grandparent, Travis Thompson has given us a ground breaking contribution based upon solid theory and emerging research evidence.

From the Brookes Publishing web site: “Discrete trial instruction or naturalistic, incidental teaching: How do you choose which approach to use with young children with autism? now there’s no need to ‘pick a side’—this groundbreaking book helps professionals skillfully blend the best of both behavioral approaches to respond to each child’s individual needs… this guidebook cuts through the chaos of conflicting information and gives readers a logical, child-centered way to plan and implement intervention.”

I am particularly excited about the possibilities for the Autism Intervention Responsiveness Scale, Research Edition, which is included in the book. This scale gives professionals an in-depth guide to creating an autism intervention profile for each child, based on the type and severity of the child’s autism characteristics.By completing the profile, readers can then match individual characteristics and needs with a specially tailored blend of discrete trial and developmentally oriented naturalistic teaching.

On the other hand, I am deeply troubled by budget cuts that threaten services vitally necessary for children with autism and their families.As Thompson notes, “Most evidence indicates that 25-30 hours per week of one-to-one intervention over the first 1-2 years is required to make significant gains in core autism symptoms for children who are responsive to this form of treatment.”(p.41)

The time is now for professionals and families to push back through our organizations and the political process for what children need and deserve to have the best life possible.

Read an interview with Doctor Thompson at brookespublishing.com/autism/authors/thompson.htm

I do not have problems with excessive nervousness, I have problems with anxiety. I get all panicky and mentally freak out and feel like I need to prepare for these things that are destined to happen to me.

It started when I started to become bombarded with legal proceedings, legal investigations, and feeling like I needed to protect myself from my ex because I was not able to get a restraining order.

The best way to do it is to just be completely honest. just say every single thing you're feeling without sugar-coating or changing anything — even if something seems weird or nonsensical. Your psychologist will appreciate the complete truth and then be better able to treat you. Not to mention, there's nothing too strange for a psychologist to hear — they're specifically trained not to judge.

Like symptoms other than the obvious ones like feeling down.

When does someone get the point where help from medication is needed. I know someone who is suffering from a form of depression but is worried that the antidepression tablets will have worse side effects. its hard to know if its severe depression or even depression at all.

Change of appetite
Change of sleeping patterns, sleeping more or less
Not doing things you used to do/becoming withdrawn and being bored
Fatigue
Doing the little things become harder
Anxiety
You feel guilty for being a burden and feel like a failure
You look at the negative most of the time and can't think clearly.
You feel lost in this world and life is passing you by.
Unexplained physical pains, headaches, back pain etc.
Change in personal hygiene and appearance
Crying easily, feeling alone.

The doctor can do blood tests to see if there are physical reasons why a person may be depressed, i.e a chemical imbalance in the brain. Depression does not neccessarily have to be treated with medication though. A psychologist can work through the feelings and work with the person to improve.
Also, there are lots of websites with information on depression.

There are several online resources for depression screening.
findingstone.com/services/tes…
med.nyu.edu/psych/screens/dep…
depression.medgrip.com

By using one or all of them you can have some basic idea.

bostonchick and John L provide solid guidance.
When I was telling my friends I had been diagnosed with depression, a couple of them said they'd seen signs that something was wrong but weren't sure they should tell me. I'm glad you're there to help this person out.

hopeless
alienation from friends and family
change in appetite
suicidal thoughts
feeling tired all the time
sleep pattern differs
anxiety
doesnt take care of oneself

everybody has the blues sometimes..but when it last more than week..thats when you need to seek help

When you stop doing the things you enjoy doing, and secluding yourself from your friends and the world, it's time to get on medication.

: im basicly doing everything the 1st answers says

also if you are under 18 medication is not recommend but there is exceptions

I do not have problems with excessive nervousness, I have problems with anxiety. I get all panicky and mentally freak out and feel like I need to prepare for these things that are destined to happen to me.

A psychologist is ill-equipped to help you with this problem, but is well-equipped to convince you he's knowledgable and to take your money.

I would recommend researching this problem on the site fhu.com. It is most insightful.

I was told by my boss that she thinks that I have ADD or ADHD….I can't focus on just one thing at a time…And my knee always bounces up and down….Any ideas?

sorry…i wasnt paying attention….you can play the drums with that knee though

Symptoms are one or more of the following: impulsive, poor concentration, easily distracted, hyper-active, finish people's sentences, scattered thoughts, etc.

Only an Internist or Psychiatrist can properly diagnose you.

Just go to your doctor, you'll have to get a perscribtion if you have it anyways… its just lack of wanting to do anything and concentration loss

See sections 22 – 25, on ADD/ADHD, at ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and begin taking 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily. There is a quiz on ADHD in section 1. You may possibly have an anxiety disorder, as well: these require expert diagnosis, but I'd refuse any powerful, and addictive stimulants, in case any are offered: a general post follows: THERAPISTS: Closely examine the 1-800-therapist.org website, and use the locators, in section 1, at ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and phone book. Personally, I'd opt for a psychologist who believes in only recommending minimal necessary medication, if at all, because they don't issue prescriptions, so are considerably less likely to be involved with the rewards, and inducements offered by sales reps from "big pharma": the large drug companies, to psychiatrists (there are links to, or articles on how psychiatry has become corrupted by money from drug companies, and "how doctors are being manipulated", in section 1: worth reading!). It's important to not only feel comfortable with your therapist, but also to know about their qualifications, and the type of therapy used (read section 1). some people are in therapy for many years, and pay a small fortune in fees, so recognise that therapists may have a vested interest in keeping their patients coming back. it pays the rent, and permits them to feel that they are fulfilling a useful function in life. For this reason, I believe that, unless there is a need for a specific type of therapy, such as Dialectical Behavio(u)ral Therapy, for Borderline Personality Disorder, or EMDR therapy, for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, it is a good idea to start out with a psychologist who uses Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, which often can accomplish all it is capable of, in 6 months, and to fix that time limit in the first session. In that way, the therapist knows that there is only a limited window of opportuntiy to do what they can, and there is no unconscious motivation to attempt to draw things out. if, at the end of that time, you believe you could benefit from a little more therapy, then you can extend it, but I'd advise the therapist a few weeks before the final session, in case they are considering taking on a new patient, leaving you "high, and dry" committed, and without options, except to find someone else. Females have necessarily evolved to multi-task: males to accomplish goals. In case anxiety is diagnosed, I'd just say thank you, for the prescription, and pocket it. ANXIETY: See anxiety treatments, at ezy build (below) in section 6. Set yourself a fixed limit for worrying about any particular subject, (say; 10, or 15 minutes) after which, resolve firmly to refuse to even consider that subject again on that day: realise and accept that to do otherwise would be counterproductive to your mental health, and enjoyment of life. Use the technique for reprogramming negative thoughts and internal monologue (self talk), on pages 2, and 2L, to help you in this: some people carry a wide rubber band in their pocket: put it on their wrist; stretch, and release, as a means of reinforcing it, and speeding up the process, re-pocketing it afterwards, but I regard this as being purely optional. Practice one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed. Also, give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you. There is also a version for use in public places, (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples, but you would then be restricted to subvocalising: saying it to yourself in your mind). Section 53, and pages 2, 2.q and 2.o at ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris also refer: "even though I sometimes suffer from anxiety, I deeply and completely accept myself."

Hi
I feel as though i have been lied to, and basically i want know what is actually involved in a dyslexia screening? Because apparently i was screened by an optometrist, and i don't believe it. according to the optometrist, i am not dyslexic, yet i have many symptoms of dyslexics and one of my school teachers believes i am and she is trained in screening for dyslexia.
Please help me uncover the truth so i can reach my full potential!
Thanks

Why is this posted in Women's Health?

But here is the answer:

an optometrist is NOT qualified to test for dyslexia.

And it takes a thorough evaluation, not a screening to diagnose this condition.

Professionals who can diagnose it are psychologist and special education teachers, not general education teachers. Usually, a speech-language pathologist is also a part of the evaluation team

See link below:

specialneedseducation.suite101.co…

By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News EditorReviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on December 21, 2010

A new treatment program helps individuals who suffer from panic disorder, using breathing techniques to reduce anxiety and other symptoms.

The method has proved better than traditional cognitive therapy at reducing both symptoms of panic and hyperventilation, according to a new study.

The biological-behavioral treatment program is called Capnometry-Assisted Respiratory Training, or CART, said psychologist and panic disorder expert Dr. Alicia E. Meuret at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

CART helps patients learn to breathe in such a way as to reverse hyperventilation, a highly uncomfortable state where the blood stream operates with abnormally low levels of carbon dioxide, said Meuret, one of the researchers conducting the study.

Hyperventilation, a state of excessive breathing, results from deep or rapid breathing and is common in patients with panic disorders.

“we found that with CART it’s the therapeutic change in carbon dioxide that changes the panic symptoms — and not vice versa,” Meuret said.

During the treatment, patients undergo simple breathing exercises twice a day. a portable capnometer device supplies feedback during the exercises on a patient’s CO2 levels. The goal of these exercises is to reduce chronic and acute hyperventilation and associated physical symptoms.

This is achieved by breathing slower but most importantly more shallowly. Contrary to lay belief, taking deep breaths actually worsens hyperventilation and symptoms.“Most panic-disorder patients report they are terrified of physical symptoms such as shortness of breath or dizziness,” Meuret said.

“In our study, cognitive therapy didn’t change respiratory physiology, but CART did effectively reduce hyperventilation. CART was proved an effective and powerful treatment that reduces the panic by means of normalizing respiratory physiology.”

The study pitted CART against a conventional cognitive therapy treatment, or CT. Traditional CT teaches patients techniques aimed at helping them change and reverse catastrophic thoughts in order to reduce fear and panic.

In the CART-CT study, 41 patients were assigned to complete either a CART or CT treatment program for panic disorder and agoraphobia, a fear of being trapped with no means of escape or help.

Both treatment programs were equally effective in reducing symptoms, said Meuret. But CART was the only treatment to physiologically alter panic symptoms by actively reversing hyperventilation in the patients. Cognitive therapy didn’t change the respiratory physiology, said Meuret.

The study is the second randomized control trial to measure CART’s effectiveness. By reversing hyperventilation, patients reported a new ability to reduce panic symptoms by means of changing their respiration.

With CT, Meuret said, if a patient reports shortness of breath, the therapist challenges the assumption by asking how often the person actually has suffocated during a panic attack, then hopes that will reverse the patient’s thinking.

“I found that process very challenging for some of my patients because it acknowledges the symptom but says it’s not a problem,” Meuret said.

“CART, however, tells us a patient’s CO2 is very low and is causing many of the symptoms feared, but it can also show how to change these symptoms through correct breathing. There has been an assumption that if people worry less about symptoms it will also normalize their physiology, but this study shows that this is not the case,” she said.

“Hyperventilation remains unchanged, which could be a risk factor for relapse down the road. apart from hyperventilation being a symptom generator, it is an unhealthy biological state associated with negative health outcomes.”

The researchers plan to branch out with their studies on CART by taking the program into the community, particularly to ethnic minorities. they believe CART is a more universally understood treatment due to its physical exercises — as opposed to cognitive therapy’s more intellectual methods — and therefore more accessible to a broader range of people with varying levels of education and different cultural backgrounds.

Ongoing studies will test the efficacy of CART in patients with asthma and fear of blood.

The findings appeared in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.

Source: Southern Methodist University