Generalized Isometric Sustained Contraction During Apnea Combined with Relaxation for Anxiety: A First Evaluation

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Somatic therapies
• Anxiety disorders

Background:

• Anxiety involves tension, linked to the fear response's immobilizing alert state.
• Somatic techniques aim to reduce anxiety through relaxation and tension reduction.
• A generalized muscular activation is hypothesized to counteract anxiety-induced tension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a technique combining generalized isometric sustained contraction in apnea (GISCA) and relaxation (GISCA+relax) for anxiety and anxiety attacks.

Main Methods:

• 20 patients with anxiety disorders practiced GISCA+relax during anxiety attacks.
• Participants compared GISCA+relax to relaxation alone.
• Evaluated anxiety control, comparative effectiveness, and ease of relaxation acquisition.

Main Results:

• 75% of patients found GISCA+relax effective for controlling anxiety and anxiety attacks.
• The combined technique was more effective than relaxation alone.
• GISCA facilitated the acquisition of subsequent relaxation.

Conclusions:

• GISCA+relax appears to be a viable method for controlling anxiety and anxiety attacks.
• This somatic behavioral approach may counteract anxiety by activating a defense mechanism.
• It offers a simple alternative to other somatic techniques or medication.