Hyperventilation syndrome and family therapy: A case report.

ABSTRACT

Hyperventilation syndrome usually occurs in patients who have psychological and/or psychosocial stress(es). Hyperventilative patients breathe rapidly and deeply for several minutes, feel light-headed, and then faint because of cerebral vasoconstriction and a respiratory alkalosis. Other symptoms such as paresthesias and carpopedal spasm, may be presented. Conventional treatment consists of instruction or retrataining regarding particular symptoms and how they are evoked by hyperventilation so that patients can consciously avoid precipicular symptoms. Breathing into a paper bag can abort the attack. Reassurance, supportive psychotherapy and antianxiety medication are also indicated. As far as we know, there has been no report about treating hyperventilation syndrome with family therapy. We report here on a 13-year-old adolescent girl who presented with a history of multiple hyperventilation syndrome attacks in four months precipitated with psychosocial stressors and a family problem. Her symptoms had not been recovered by conventional treatment. Family therapy was given to the patient and her family for one session. After the treatment, her symptoms were cured, she and her family understood and solved the problem. She has been healthy and can study well.