Phobia treated by reciprocal inhibition
Abstract
A case report of the treatment of a severe lice phobia using systematic desensitization procedures suggested by Wolpe. The training portion of the procedures required 5 sessions, while the therapy sessions proper required 11 sessions. Following treatment, the patient reported almost complete remission of symptoms. A posttherapy MMPI showed a dramatic shift towards normality when compared to a pretherapy MMPI. A 3-mo. follow-up was conducted; the patient reported further improvement with no evidence of any symptom substitution. Trainees were present in the treatment room 60% of the therapy sessions with apparently no adverse effects upon the course of treatment. It is noted that systematic desentization therapy provides an unusual opportunity to teach psychotherapy in a direct and effective manner.