Study Examines the StressEraser's Effectiveness as an Adjunct Treatment for Cognitive Behavioral Therapies

MEDIA CONTACT:

Evan Birkhead
(908) 910-6988
evan.birkhead@stresseraser.com

JUNE 16, 2008 – NEW YORK – The StressEraser personal biofeedback device is the subject of a new study recently published in the journal Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, a peer-reviewed periodical published by Springer Publishing (New York). Entitled “Integrating a Portable Biofeedback Device into Clinical Practice for Patients with Anxiety Disorders: Results of a Pilot Study,” the study was conducted and bylined by clinical psychologist Robert Reiner, Ph.D.

The study was conducted at Behavioral Associates and the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Institute in New York City from June through August 2006.  Dr. Reiner serves as executive director of Behavioral Associates. In addition, he is a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry at New York University Medical Center and is the author of numerous publications.

The StressEraser is not FDA approved for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia or any stress-related conditions. The StressEraser is indicated for relaxation, relaxation training and stress reduction.

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a portable Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) biofeedback device as an adjunct to CBT in persons with anxiety disorders and other disorders associated with autonomic dysfunction attending outpatient treatment. Participants were 24 individuals attending outpatient cognitive behavioral treatment for a range of anxiety disorders. Participants were assessed over a three-week period.

Outcomes included measures of anxiety (STAI-Y), sleep disturbances (PSQI), anger (STAEI), and subjective questions about the effectiveness of the device as a treatment adjunct. Significant reductions were found for anxiety and anger and for certain sleep variables (e.g. sleep latency). There was a significant dose-effect in that those who were more compliant had significantly greater reductions in most domains, including sleep, anger, and trait anxiety.

The preliminary results suggest that portable RSA biofeedback appears to be a promising treatment adjunct for disorders of autonomic arousal and is easily integrated into treatment.

About Springer Publishing

For more than half a century, Springer Publishing Company has grown and thrived as an independent publisher singularly committed to serving the health care and helping professions. Pioneers in nursing, gerontology, and rehabilitation, we also serve the academic and professional communities in psychology, public health, social work, and counseling. Throughout our history we have been committed to excellence in all areas of the publishing process – from concept to publication. Our continued independence and dynamic growth is based on our commitment to three core principles:

- Authors come first: We believe that the collaborative relationship formed with our authors is the key to successful publishing. As a Springer author, you will have the undivided attention of expert professionals who are committed to disseminating your work to the widest possible audience and giving your voice the greatest possible impact.

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We are committed to important books that can make a real difference in people’s lives.

About the StressEraser

The StressEraser is an award-winning, portable medical device that relaxes the body and calms the mind in 15 minutes. The StressEraser can be used to quiet the mind before sleeping, rapidly relieve intense stress, and even to stay calm during highly stressful situations.

From beat to beat, your heart rate reflects the activity of your stimulating and pacifying nerves. The StressEraser displays these tiny changes as a wave. By watching your wave characteristics in realtime, you learn to adjust your breathing and mental focus. This decreases the activity of the stimulating nerves (thereby decreasing stress) and increases the activity of the pacifying nerves (thereby increasing relaxation).

The StressEraser’s list of honors includes:

- Best Self-Monitoring Health Initiative or Device, National Wellness Prevention & Fitness Conference (2007)
- Seal of Approval, American Institute of Stress (2007)
- Technology Innovation of the Year, Frost & Sullivan (2006)
- The Best of Gadget Lab (9 out of 10 rating), WIRED Magazine (2006)

The StressEraser is classified by the FDA as a Class II 510(k) exempt medical device. The indicated use is for relaxation, relaxation training and stress reduction. The StressEraser is available for $299 from the StressEraser web site at http://stresseraser.com. The StressEraser is currently available to U.S. residents only. Patents are pending. 

Helicor’s corporate headquarters is located at 19 Fulton Street, Suite 407, New York, NY 10038. Phone: 212-346-9339; Fax: 212-346-9335. Email: info@stresseraser.com. Web: http://stresseraser.com. Interviews and photographs are available by request.
 
© Helicor, Inc. All rights reserved. StressEraser® and StressEraser Breathwave® are registered trademarks of Helicor, Inc. The StressEraser wave logo™ is a trademark of Helicor, Inc.  All other trademarks in this document are the properties of their respective owners.

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