Psychotherapeutic possibilities in treatment of patients with bronchial asthma

Abstract

Summary. The aim of this study was to estimate efficiency of psychotherapy in treatment of patients with bronchial asthma and to develop psychotherapeutic schemes. Three treatment modes were used: nonspecific desensitization using the method of neuro linguistic programming; symptomatic psychotherapy; and pathogenic psychotherapy for correction of psychoemotional background. Combined treatment was more effective than medications alone with regard to symptoms of psychological mechanism of bronchial asthma and to clinical signs in longterm followup. In patients with prominent response to allergens we could recommend nonspecific desensitization using the method of neuro linguistic programming. A rapid correction could be achieved by symptomatic psychotherapy. Delayed but longterm effect could be achieved by pathogenic psychotherapy.