Self-regulation of anxiety.

The authors reviewed the literature on biofeedback, self-regulation, and anxiety but found no clinically relevant controlled efficacy studies. None of the controlled studies used a comprehensive self-regulation treatment that included autonomic indices of relaxation, attention to diaphragmatic breathing, daily deep relaxation, and emphasis on using self-regulation during stressful challenge in everyday life. After examining physiological mechanisms associated with anxiety and its self-regulation, the authors describe a comprehensive physiological self-regulation treatment package using case presentations of treatment results with various anxiety disorders.