Psychogenic hyperventilation syndrome

Abstract

The article describes the psychogenic hyperventilation syndrome of a 25 years old male with a “neurotic past” in the form of cardiophobia, panic attacks, obsessions. The client appealed com- plaining of the impossibility of implementing a complete deep breath while superficial breathing remained intact, client’s constant attempts to realize a full-fledged breath caused the hyperventilation, and the premonition of failure at deep breathing became one of the cognitive factors supporting the symptom. The psychogenic nature of hyperventilation indicates the presence of a traumatic situation, and the absence of pathology in the somatic examination. The pathogenic factor in the development of hyperventilation was not only the traumatic situation, but cognitive settings of the subject, which did not provide the opportunity to cope with the traumatic. By gradually neutralizing pathogenic cognitive intension, it was possible to relieve the condition of the client, and subsequently completely eliminate the symptom.