COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR PARURESIS - A CASE-REPORT

This article reviews directive interventions for paruresis, the inabil ity to urinate in the proximity of others. As in treatments for other anxiety disorders, historical interventions have included the use of p aradoxical intention and several different forms of exposure. The resu lts of pharmacological treatment have not proven promising. Although a multidimensional treatment model has been recommended, little attenti on has been paid to treating cognitive components of the problem. In t his paper, a single case is described in which cognitive components of the problem of paruresis were evident. A cognitive approach and expos ure in vivo were applied. Measures of successful trials were obtained over 18 weeks. The combination of cognitive interventions and gradual exposure was effective in reducing paruresis. At follow-up 6 mo, later results had been maintained. The results of this case suggest more at tention to the cognitive components is appropriate in the treatment of paruresis, as was stated previously for other specific social phobias .