In brief: Ten high school students (three males, seven females) hyperventilated 12 times during athletic events over a two-year period. Symptoms associated with hyperventilation syndrome include an inability to catch one's breath, rapid deep respirations, anxiety (often associated with losing among athletes), tetany, numbness of lips and hands, chest pain, and even loss of consciousness. Treatment may consist of rebreathing into a paper bag, which is embarrassing in front of observers, or slowly inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.
Fifteen families received family therapy from a pediatrician and nurse practitioner. Most families began therapy because of school problems or behavior problems with one of the children. There was serious marital discord in nine families that resulted in divorce in two of them. At least one year after the families began therapy, they were recalled for interviews by a psychologist who was unknown to them. Information was obtained during these interviews that indicates (1) pediatricians and nurse practitioners were accepted in their roles as therapists by 14 of the 15 families and (2) all families rated their family therapy experiences as useful.
One pattern of dysfunctional family interaction is described as a syndrome. Four case histories are presented in which different family members take polar positions on various continua. In one instance the continuum is oral communication, with garrulousness on one side and silence on the other. Another continuum is family responsibility, where one member of the family takes total responsibility and another takes almost none. The symbolic continuum is an electric blanket with hot at one extreme and cold at the other. In all cases, family therapy was performed by a pediatrician. Guidelines are discussed for treatment and for appropriate consultation with mental-health professionals.
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