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If sufficiently mastered, this technique will control panic attacks. It has two parts: regular monitoring of respiration rate by the patient and the slow breathing technique to inhibit hyperventilation when anxious.

Slow breathing technique
Using the second hand on a watch or clock:

• Hold your breath for six seconds.
• Breathe in and out on a six-second cycle, saying the word "relax" as you breathe out.
• After one minute, hold your breath again, then continue to breathe on a six-second cycle.
• Repeat the sequence until anxiety has diminished.

On to section 5.10 . . .