Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for assisting individuals in controlling respiratory rates. For example, a respiratory regulation apparatus is provided in the form of a plush animal toy that operates components to simulate the breathing rate of anxious individuals. The apparatus may include actuators that are controlled by a slotted cam that is dynamically rotated at varying speeds in a determined rotational direction. The actuators move inward and outward in relative directions to move a torso of the plush animal toy to simulate breathing. In certain aspects, actuators may expand outward while at the same time another actuator contracts inward to cause the torso to simulate realistic breathing movements. A processor controls the speed of the cam such that the simulated breathing of the animal toy apparatus can be reduced at a controlled rate to assist an individual in reducing their breathing rate to a calmer state.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating conditions and disorders for which full mGluR5 antagonists are potentially effective, such as, e.g., anxiety, epilepsy, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, Parkinson's disease, addictive disorders, and the like in a subject in need of such treatment, comprising administration to such subject of a therapeutically effective amount of a partial, non-competitive mGluR5 antagonist compound of the invention. Specific examples of partial MgluR5 antagonists provided include those compounds having the formula: wherein: Z is, independently N or —CH—, provided that one, and only one Z is N; R is halogen (e.g., Br, F and the like), alkyl (e.g., methyl), alkenyl (e.g., CH?CH2, aryl (e.g., phenyl), heterocyclic (e.g., thiophenyl).