[Verbal interaction and heart rate in the course of the therapeutic process in a neurotic patient. A psychobiologic pilot project].

Whereas measurements of physiologic variables are widely used in investigations of psychosomatic illnesses, this proceeding is not an established strategy when dealing with the therapeutic process of neuroses which lack coarse bodily symptoms. Therefore, we investigate the heart rate response pattern and the verbal dialog during therapeutic sessions of a patient with an impulsive neurosis. Recordings are made before and after the obsessive symptoms improve. Changes are found in the heart rate response as well as in the verbal interaction between patient and therapist. While symptoms persist the patient's behavior alternates between patient and therapist. While symptoms persist the patient's behavior alternates between gross defense and a panic like disturbance. Concurrently the heart rate response shows an inconspicuous pattern interrupted by sudden heart rate increases. After the obsessive symptoms had ceased the patient has been better controlled in his behavior but is more tense. Compared to the previous state this is accompanied by more frequent and longer lasting periods of reduced heart rate variability and only moderate increases.