INTEGRATION OF VIRTUAL REALITY IN RESPIRATORY REHABILITATION AND ANXIETY MANAGEMENT IN AN ASTHMATIC PATIENT: A CASE REPORT WITH FOLLOW-UP
报告一例48岁女性哮喘患者，通过整合虚拟现实的心理治疗，改善了呼吸控制、减少了惊恐发作，并在三个月随访中维持了疗效。
Introduction: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease frequently associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms, which may amplify dyspnea perception and impair disease control. The interaction between physiological and psychological processes may promote dysfunctional breathing patterns, panic episodes, and difficulties in distinguishing respiratory symptoms of organic origin from somatic manifestations of anxiety. Virtual Reality has emerged as an innovative therapeutic tool when integrated into psychological care and respiratory rehabilitation. Clinical Case Description: We report the case of a 48-year-old Brazilian woman with a prior medical diagnosis of asthma who began psychological treatment in 2024 due to recurrent episodes of shortness of breath associated with intense anxiety and depressed mood. The patient reported difficulty distinguishing asthma-related dyspnea from anxiety-related somatic symptoms. Clinical assessment suggested panic episodes, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms associated with dysfunctional breathing patterns. Twelve psychotherapy sessions were conducted with the integration of Virtual Reality as a therapeutic support tool, focusing on diaphragmatic breathing, respiratory rhythm control, and progressive muscle relaxation. Guided virtual environments promoted reduced hyperventilation, increased body awareness, and the development of emotional self-regulation strategies. A three-month follow-up indicated maintenance of therapeutic gains. Conclusions: Psychological care supported by Virtual Reality contributed to the reduction of panic episodes, improved breathing control, and greater symptom discrimination. The maintenance of gains at follow-up suggests intervention effectiveness. This case reinforces the relevance of a biopsychosocial approach in asthma management and highlights Virtual Reality as an effective complementary therapeutic tool when integrated into structured treatment.