Using the Canary Breathing System for Panic Disorder Patients

Panic disorder (PD) is associated with hyperventilation. The efficacy of a brief respiratory feedback program for PD has been previously established. The aim of the present study was to expand these results by testing a similar program with more clinically representative patients and settings. The intervention is delivered via home use following initial training by a clinician and provides remote monitoring of client adherence and progress by the clinician. Outcomes were assessed post-treatment and at 2- and 12-month follow-up.

Inclusion criteria

• Primary diagnosis of Panic Disorder
• Subjects between 18 and 60 years of age (inclusive on day of enrollment)
• Subjects with a Clinician's Global Impression of > or = to 4.
• If on psychotropic medication, on a stable dose for a minimum of 3 months prior to enrollment
• If on psychotropic medication, an agreement to stay on their stable dose from study entry until the 2-month follow-up.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy
• Current enrollment in another drug or device study
• Current enrollment in another drug or device study that is not at least 30 days past the final follow-up
• Currently undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (or equivalent)
• Refractory to either a breathing training program or cognitive behavioral therapy (or equivalent) in the 3 months prior to enrollment
• Evidence of organic mental disorder
• Severe suicidality
• Presence of any psychotic disorder
• Bipolar disorder that is present for < 5 years; a major depressive, manic or hypomanic episode in the last 12 months; failure to take and maintain a stable dose of medication in treatment of bipolar disorder in the last 12 months
• Current alcohol or drug dependence
• Cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
• Epilepsy or seizures
• Undergoing additional psychologic treatment at any point from study enrollment to 2-month follow-up to treat panic disorder