title: Paradoxical interventions in behavioral medicine.
abstract: This article discusses the current and potential use of paradoxical interventions in behavioral medicine. Paradoxical interventions are considered to be of two types: intra-individual and interpersonal. Treatment indications differ for the two types of interventions. Intraindividual paradoxical interventions have been successful in the treatment of insomnia, psychogenic urinary retention and constipation. Interpersonal paradoxical interventions have been subjected to less empirical research, but have been useful in the treatment of anorexia nervosa and in family based interventions where medical patients maladaptively cope with their rehabilitation. Paradoxical procedures are also used in the treatment of sexual dysfunction and may be of value in pain management. Further possible applications as well as limitations of paradoxical interventions in behavioral medicine are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000628:therapy; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003248:Constipation / Q000628:therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy; D004688:Encopresis / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D059408:Pain Management; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000628:therapy; D012803:Sick Role; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000628:therapy