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MindLAB Set is an integrated system for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback developed by Tullio Scrimali at the research laboratories of Istituto Superiore per le Scienze Cognitive. MindLAB Set monitors exosomatic electrodermal activity and allows the development of Multimodal Psychodiagnostics, as well as techniques for emotional and mental self-regulation, such as Psychofeedback and MindLAB Set Based Mindfulness. The system is comprised of a data acquisition hardware unit (Psychodata Acquisition Unit), a pair of electrodes, a USB cable for connecting the unit to a computer, and two software programmes, MindSCAN and Psychofeedback. Included in the package is an exhaustive booklet, which contains all the information you will require in respect to techniques, methodology, settings and contexts. It also contains the original Katane database, with which it is possible to compare a patient’s results against a normative reference. To use MindLAB Set, the unit must be connected to a computer with the included software installed. The programmes have been developed to work with Windows 98, 2000, Vista, 7 and 8. The MindLAB Set unit is powered by the computer itself, via the USB cable. It is compact, light and easily transportable. Therefore, used with a portable, battery-powered computer (as a notebook), the MindLAB Set can be used as a flexible system in “real life” situations, away from the clinic. MindLAB Set is the culmination of a design, engineering and experimentation process aimed at incorporating the key elements of hardware, software, clinical expertise and databases in a single system built on advanced, innovative scientific and technological principles – all at a cost that is accessible to individual practitioners, as well as private and public institutions and centres. The system has also been designed with an eye on its educational potential. Connected to a projector and speakers via the computer, MindLAB Set proves a very versatile tool for demonstrations and training sessions, even with large groups. MindLAB Set offers the following functions, as a basis for applied psychophysiology practices: •Monitoring exosomatic electrodermal activity, muscle tone, and phasic activity. As such, the system provides

accurate, objective reading of a test subject’s level of emotional activation (arousal) and information elaboration processes (spontaneous and provoked phasic responses).

•Continuous biological feedback of electrodermal activity to the patient (biofeedback). The feedback generated falls into two categories: acoustic (three different sound types) and visual. The latter also has three variations: two analogue (vertical coloured bars and a graph traced on Cartesian axes) and one digital, which can assign a value to skin conductivity at any one moment, expressed in microsiemens. The patient receives both synchronous and diachronous information, which is to say that he or she receives feedback from both the current session, as it happens, and from either previous phases or a biofeedback training session.

•The operator can produce detailed records for each sitting by printing out the electrodermal conductivity monitoring data. The printed record can include a personalised heading for each centre or clinic where the test is administered. This allows you to provide the patient with a highly professional record, which in turn will serve as an effective tool for building visibility and reputation among other health professionals who may see the document (such as the patient’s GP).

• Psychophysiological data can be saved and subsequently recalled to help build up a narrative record of therapeutic development. It is important that the patient be able to observe any changes that take place over a course of treatment!

MindLAB Set facilitates the implementation of Multimodal psychodiagnostics and effective emotional self-regulation techniques, such as Biofeedback, Mindfulness and Biofeedback-based Mindfulness.

Clinical applications, tested so far (Scrimali, 2006, 2010 and 2011; Turpin, 1989; Boucsein, 1992), are as follows: Biofeedback, emotional self-regulation and mindfulness for the treatment of emotional distress in the fields of psychiatry, psychiatric rehabilitation, clinical psychology, psychosomatic medicine and psychology of health. Assessment and instrumental psychodiagnostics in psychiatry, clinical psychology and psychosomatic medicine, with the option of identifying, evaluating and monitoring the following processes over time: •human information processing; •arousal; •worry; •rumination; •relapse warning signs; •attachment in families (Family Strange Situation).

Evaluation of work-related stress. Educational projects for psycho-education regarding the mind-brain relationship, understanding and emotional control. Experiments have already demonstrated the usefulness of MindLAB Set in the context of integrated cognitive treatments in the following clinical conditions (Scrimali, 2006, 2010, 2011): Panic and phobias: improved coping, self-management and gradual abandonment of flight and avoidance processes; Generalised anxiety disorder: management of worry and reduction of anxiety levels; Health Anxiety disorder: management of worry and reduction of compulsive investigative behaviour; Post-traumatic stress disorder: improved coping and elimination of trauma-related flashbacks; Obsessive-compulsive disorder: reduction of worry and development of functional coping mechanisms aimed at avoiding manifestation of rituals; Bipolar disorder: prevention of maniacal relapse through arousal level monitoring; Eating disorders: nutritional re-education in cases of anorexia and, in cases of bulimia, acquisition of emotional control to assist in binge eating management; Substance and behavioural addiction: management of cravings; Pain management: improved management through arousal level reduction techniques; Insomnia: treatment of insomnia with difficulty getting to sleep; Schizophrenia: coping with hallucinations and management of diathesis-stress disorders; Sexology: elimination of anxiety that might cause psychogenic erectile dysfunction and vaginismus; Hypertension: reduction of stress factors; Gastroenterology: irritable bowel syndrome; Dentistry: treatment of bruxism.

References:

Boucsein, W. (1992). Electrodermal Activity. Plenum Press, New York; Scrimali, T. (2006). Entropia della Mente ed Entropia Negativa. Franco Angeli, Milano; Scrimali, T. (2010). Neuroscienze e Psicofisiologia clinica. Franco Angeli, Milano; Scrimali, T. (2011). Il Vincolo della Dipendenza. Un modello cognitivista complesso per le dipendenze patologiche ed il loro trattamento. Franco Angeli, Milano; Turpin, G. (Ed.), (1989). Handbook of Clinical Psychophysiology. Wiley, Chichester.

MindLAB Set is an instrument for measuring a psychophysiological parameter, and therefore should not be considered a medical device. The measurement and biological feedback of the “Electrodermal Activity” parameter do not constitute a medical intervention, either at the diagnostic level or in a therapeutic context. Use of MindLAB Set falls within the context of Applied Psychophysiology. The device has been designed in compliance with the strict EN60601-1-2 and EN55011 regulations and is entirely safe. Use of MindLAB Set as an instrument for evaluating arousal levels and biological feedback can be integrated into emotional self-regulation assessments in various contexts, such as: psychodiagnostics, clinical psychology, psychotherapy, counselling, coaching, health psychology, sports psychology, educational psychology and occupational psychology. Whenever MindLAB Set is used, in any of these contexts, it is the duty of the individual practitioner to ensure compliance with any regulations that apply to his or her profession.

GUARANTEE MindLAB Set is guaranteed for two years from the date of purchase. In cases of malfunction due to manufacturing defect, Psychotech will arrange for the immediate dispatch of a replacement device or devices, paying all delivery costs. Repairs required outside of the guarantee period will be charged at the cost of parts and labour (although this is an unlikely occurrence; the system has been tested over many years and thousands of working hours without any issues arising).

DOCUMENTS MindLAB is supplied with comprehensive technical and scientific documentation that will ensure correct and effective use of the system. All of the necessary information is contained, along with the guarantee, in a number of files saved to the USB “pen” drive included with the system. The first step, after unpacking the system, is to insert the USB drive in your PC, open the files and carefully read the instructions for installing the software, using the peripheral unit and operating the system. It is recommended that you then read the scientific overview. Psychotech is committed to caring the environment and ecologically sound principles. For example, we have chosen to reduce the quantity of printed material included with the system to a brief leaflet that indicates how to use the electronic files saved on the USB drive. A hard copy can then be printed as required. This reduction in the weight of each package leads to a reduction in the energy expended in transport and delivery.

BOX CONTENTS Each package contains: •a data acquisition device; •a USB “pen” drive; •a USB cable; •a pair of electrodes; •a leaflet.

PRICE (inc. delivery) Sole practitioners: 500 Euro(VAT and delivery included). Organisations/Institutions (Hospitals, Clinics, Businesses and Educational Institutes) 900 Euro (VAT and delivery included).

HOW TO BUY: online at: www.psychotech.it