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Exposure therapy for emetophobia: a case study with three-year follow-up
Danielle J Maack1, Brett J Deacon, Mimi Zhao
1University of Mississippi, Department of Psychology, 205 Peabody Building, University, MS 38677, USA. djmaack@olemiss.edu
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|August 27, 2013
Summary
This case study details successful exposure-based behavioral treatment for emetophobia (specific phobia of vomiting). Treatment gains for this anxiety disorder were maintained at a three-year follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Emetophobia, a specific phobia of vomiting, is under-researched and poorly understood.
- Prevalence estimates indicate higher rates in women (6-7%) compared to men (1.7-3.1%).
Observation:
- A case study applied exposure-based behavioral treatment to a 26-year-old Hispanic female with emetophobia.
- The study adapted published behavioral treatments used for other specific phobias.
Findings:
- The applied behavioral treatment was successful in treating the patient's emetophobia.
- Treatment gains were measured and maintained at a three-year follow-up assessment.
Implications:
- This case study contributes to the limited literature on emetophobia treatment.
- Demonstrates the potential efficacy of adapting exposure-based treatments for specific phobias.
- Highlights the importance of long-term follow-up in assessing treatment outcomes for anxiety disorders.
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