Application of behavioral principles in the management of suffocation phobia: a case study of chronic respiratory failure.
This case study presents the first application of behavioral techniques in the management of psychological reactions associated with respiratory weaning. A forty-eight-year-old woman, with a history of brain stem dysfunction and repeated respiratory arrests participated in a four-week behavioral treatment program designed to 1) eliminate suffocation fear and depression, 2) promote respiratory self-sufficiency, and 3) facilitate successful ventilatory weaning. At one year follow-up, the patient continued to display no evidence of respiratory difficulty, depressive symptomatology, or agitated mood states.
Malatesta
V J
VJ
Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia 19139.
West
B L
BL
Malcolm
R J
RJ
D001237:Asphyxia / Q000523:psychology*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010985:Platybasia / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000523:psychology; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000523:psychology; D012803:Sick Role