Cognitive-behavioral treatment of specific phobia in childhood: A case study

Autor
Resumen
This article presents the case of a 12-year old adolescent referred to a child and adolescent mental health centre. The patient presented with anxious traits, leading to a primary diagnosis of specific phobias, which impaired his daily living. Objectives To achieve a reduction in the patient s number of concerns and psychophysiological arousal, to challenge unrealistic expectations and to eliminate avoidance and escape behaviours. Assessment Among others, the Spanish version of the Spence Children s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and the Fear Survey Schedule for Children-Revised (FSSC-R), were used. Intervention Group adaptation of the Brief Coping Cat (BCC) and individual in vivo exposure. Results Overall anxious symptoms were reduced and the patient successfully exposed himself to his fears until anxiety completely disappeared. We highlight the importance of expectancy violation and positive stimuli techniques as change factors associated with exposure. Conclusions This article underscores the effectiveness of adapting the BCC to a group treatment format and the importance of optimising exposure techniques that may work for children and adolescents.
Palabras clave
Revista académica
Ansiedad y Estrés
Año de publicación
2016
Volumen
22
Incidencia
2-3
Número de páginas
80-90
Fecha de publicación
jul
Editorial
Numero ISSN
1134-7937
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URL
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1134793716300239
DOI
10.1016/J.ANYES.2016.06.001