Biofeedback Volume 50: Issue 3

The theory of full correspondence posits that all placebo-induced effects are accompanied by corresponding subjective experiences. It was first put forward as a means of explaining the nature of the placebo effect and of reconciling the leading approaches to the phenomenon in a single overarching theory. In this paper, we examine several points of contact between full correspondence and biofeedback research and consider some of their clinical and experimental implications.

“Are magic mushrooms the miracle cure for depression we've been looking for?” (Khan, 2021). Attention-grabbing headlines such as this are becoming increasingly common and suggest that psychedelic medicines are some kind of magic bullet. This perception is increased by stories of people who had a single life-changing psychedelic experience that resulted in complete relief of their long-standing mental health concerns.

To some degree, this enthusiasm is warranted, as early results indicate that the clinical use of psychedelics including psilocybin, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and ketamine can be effective for treatment-resistant depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addictions, end-of-life anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive

Head, neck, shoulder, and back problems increase as people tend to do less physical movement and more static activities such as working at the computer, attending Zoom meetings, driving, or looking at their cell phones. This discomfort may be caused by chronic low-level muscle tension of which the person is unaware. This article describes simple somatic and electromyographic feedback techniques to allow the person to become aware of their covert muscle tension. With this awareness, the participant can begin to implement behavior changes to reduce symptoms. Provided are guidelines and suggestions on how to implement these practices and behavior changes.

SPECIAL ISSUE: Full Correspondence, Biofeedback, and the Placebo Effect

SPECIAL ISSUE: Do Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, and Neuromeditation Have a Role in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies?

WHAT ABOUT THIS?: Teaching Awareness of Shoulder Tension with Somatic Practices and EMG

REPORT: Report from FABBS Meeting

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT: Establishing a University-Based Biofeedback Clinic for Practice, Education, and Research

SPECIAL ISSUE: The Impact of a Romantic Partner on Patient Experience of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback

SPECIAL ISSUE: Pain—There Is Hope

ABSTRACTS: Abstracts of Papers Presented at the 54th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback