Simple phobia as a symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder in a former prisoner of war.
Behavioral, nonpsychoanalytic interventions for phobic conditions have shown to be quite effective in the reduction of symptomatology. This case documents that a combination of systematic desensitization, visual imagery, and in vivo exposure can reduce a phobic condition of 40 years duration. This intervention was shown to be effective even though the individual carried a concomitant diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Veterans Administration Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206.
D J
DJ
Miller
D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D012064:Relaxation Therapy