Possibility of using biofeedback as a therapeutic tool

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1593252303045

• Palavras-chave: biofeedback; depression; anxiety; migraine.

• Keywords: biofeedback; depression; anxiety; migraine.

• Abstract:

  INTRODUCTION: The traditional treatment of anxiety, depression and migraine is carried out through medication, but additional alternative methods to traditional therapy are offered, such as biofeedback, (alternative treatment based on the human-computer interaction principle), where the individual is trained to be able to control their physiological responses according to feedback received from machines that transform physiological signals into visual or sound responses. GOAL: To evaluate how biofeedback can help with health problems as part of self-care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Narrative review of literature published between 2011 and 2021 in PubMed, Virtual Health Library and Web of Science databases. RESULTS: Different types of biofeedback were analyzed, mainly cardiac variability and neurofeedback, which were applied using different methods. Despite the variety presented in the studies, the results presented were mostly positive regarding the effectiveness of biofeedback as a tool in the treatment of anxiety, depression and migraine. CONCLUSION: Biofeedback can be considered as an additional therapy to the treatment used in cases of anxiety, depression and migraines, and follow-up by a professional proved to be essential to obtain better results.