Behavior therapy for spasmodic torticollis: a case study suggesting a causal role for anxiety

A 29-year old male with an 8-month history of spasmodic torticollis was treated after three baseline assessments with progressive relaxation, positive practice, and visual feedback. Subjective, behavioral, and physiological (EMG) data indicated that EMG declined across baseline assessments and treatment, while substantial changes in subjective and behavioral data occurred with treatment. Improvement on all dependent measures also was found at a 2-year follow-up. The data are discussed in terms of the non-specific effects of treatment, and the utility and economy of these primarily self-administered procedures.