Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen) : The Department of Psychiatry at Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital-2 at Phulnakhara has achieved a new milestone in patient centered mental healthcare by successfully operationalising Digital Biofeedback Procedure for various psychiatry-linked illnesses.
The unique mode of psychotherapy had been successfully initiated in the department, the hospital announced on the World Mental Health Day on Saturday.
This marks an important step towards strengthening evidence-based, technology- assisted mental healthcare and expanding the range of therapeutic interventions available to the patients in the hospital.
Digital Biofeedback Procedure is a great form of treatment which is frequently used to relieve anxiety, panic disorders, everyday stress and employed as a complementary method to help lower and regulate blood pressure. Headaches triggered by tension and migraines are also brought under control by use of this therapy. It also helps people with paralysis or athletes recovering from injuries to retrain and activate specific muscles. Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are also treated with this, Dr Lagnajit Dash, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, said.
The therapy involves attachment of electrodes or pads to the patient’s skin to track physiological signals. The machine converts these signals into visual graphs, sounds or hap tic cues on a monitor. With guidance from a therapist, the patient practices mental or physical
relaxation techniques until he or she can shift those body responses without relying on the equipment.
“It is a small step towards innovation but a meaningful step towards better patient care,” Dr. Dash said.
