Behavioral treatment of conversion disorder in adolescence. A case example of Globus Hystericus

The present single case study evaluated the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for the treatment of a patient diagnosed with globus hystericus, a conversion disorder characterized by a perceived lump in the throat. The patient was a non-mentally retarded 12-year-old female who refused to swallow solids because she thought that her throat muscles would involuntarily constrict and result in choking. She lost approximately .5 lbs. per week during the 6 months prior to treatment. Improvements in weight gain were demonstrated consequent to the implementation of behavior therapy, with weight gain being particularly pronounced after contingency contracting was added to therapy. Weight gain was maintained at 1, 6, and 10 months posttreatment.