Psychodynamic Psychotherapy With Adjunctive Hypnosis for Anxiety Management and Smoking Cessation
The present study examines the therapy of an individual diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, two situation type specific phobias, and nicotine dependence. Treatment consisted of psychodynamic psychotherapy with adjunctive hypnosis. Client’s symptoms were tracked using daily, self-report measures over the 6-month treatment period. The simulation modeling approach for time-series was used to assess the phase change from baseline to treatment. Tracked symptoms included generalized anxiety, worry associated with specific phobias, phobic avoidance, number of cigarettes smoked daily, and nicotine craving intensity....
Source: Clinical Case Studies - September 4, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Watkins, C. D., Macfie, J. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Developmentally Sensitive Behavioral Treatment of a 4-Year-Old, Korean Girl With Selective Mutism
This case study reports on the use of a developmentally sensitive behavioral treatment program for a 4-year-old Korean girl diagnosed with selective mutism. Multi-method assessment, consisting of parent and teacher reports, as well as school and home-video observation, confirmed the diagnosis. Behavioral therapy was administered with an emphasis on behavioral reinforcement strategies that were adapted for the child’s developmental level. After 17 sessions, the child evidenced a notable reduction in selective mutism symptoms, evidenced by clinician and school observation. Furthermore, she indicated a decrease in sympt...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - September 4, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Jacob, M. L., Suveg, C., Shaffer, A. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Treating Attention Maintained Behavior in a High School Student
Functional behavior analytic approaches have been demonstrated to be widely applicable and efficacious. While interventions have typically focused on children and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, behavior analytic principles have a great deal to offer to conceptualizations of psychopathology in other populations. This manuscript describes a case of an adolescent with oppositional symptoms treated using a functional behavior analytic intervention. Following an 8-week course of treatment, the client experienced improvements in the areas of academic and social functioning. Findings suggest that a f...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - July 16, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Berkout, O. V., Gross, A. M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Using Narrative Therapy to Treat Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Eating disorders have proved resistant to therapy with high relapse rates. Enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E) is the favored treatment of choice but has been criticized for placing a similar emphasis on controlling eating behavior as the psychopathology it seeks to counter. In contrast, narrative therapy focuses on the development of an anti-eating disorder lifestyle and values. Evidence for this approach primarily consists of informal case study material. This case study describes a 28-year-old woman with a recurring history of anorexia nervosa, who self-referred to a university psychology clinic, due to fears of...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - July 16, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Scott, N., Hanstock, T. L., Patterson-Kane, L. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Incorporating Technology Into the Treatment of a 17-Year-Old Female With Selective Mutism
In this report, we present the case of Nina, a 17-year-old Caucasian female diagnosed with comorbid SM and social anxiety disorder. Standard intervention designed to treat social anxiety disorder (i.e., intensive exposure based on an extinction paradigm) met with a minimal response and no changes in speech behavior. Reconceptualization of the treatment approach led to a decision to focus directly on speech using a graduated exposure (desensitization) paradigm. To create an emotional response incompatible with anxiety, initial desensitization sessions used Apple iPad applications that allowed for engagement in amusing tasks...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - July 16, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Bunnell, B. E., Beidel, D. C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Two Cases of Early Childhood Selective Mutism: Variations and Treatment Complexities
This article presents two cases of early childhood SM to demonstrate the importance of tailored treatment implementation to meet the individual needs of each family and help children resume typical social development. (Source: Clinical Case Studies)
Source: Clinical Case Studies - July 16, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Ale, C. M., Mann, A., Menzel, J., Storch, E. A., Lewin, A. B. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Collaborative Treatment of Choking Phobia in an Older Adult
This article describes the case of a 69-year-old man with a long history of swallowing difficulties and a past diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder. He was seen for treatment by a speech-language pathologist and a clinical psychologist. Prior to treatment, he ate only one type of sweet dessert and some pureed foods, at restricted times of the day, and without others present. Treatment focused on increasing variety in his diet, increasing bolus size, reducing ritualistic and safety behaviors, and eating in social situations. Treatment methods included surface electromyographic biofeedback and systematic desensitizatio...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - July 16, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Millikin, C., Braun-Janzen, C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy With Survivors of Adult Sexual Assault: A Case Study
A number of studies have found experiential avoidance to mediate the relationship between sexual assault and adverse long-term effects. One treatment approach that has been developed for the treatment of experiential avoidance is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). A small body of research has demonstrated preliminary efficacy for the use of ACT with trauma survivors suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, no treatment studies to date have evaluated ACT as a treatment model with survivors of adult sexual assault. In this case study, ACT was applied to an 18-year-old survivor of adult sexual assau...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - May 8, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Burrows, C. J. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Therapeutic Assessment of Complex Trauma: A Single-Case Time-Series Study
The cumulative effect of repeated traumatic experiences in early childhood incrementally increases the risk of adjustment problems later in life. Surviving traumatic environments can lead to the development of an interrelated constellation of emotional and interpersonal symptoms termed complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Effective treatment of trauma begins with a multimethod psychological assessment and requires the use of several evidence-based therapeutic processes, including establishing a safe therapeutic environment, reprocessing the trauma, constructing a new narrative, and managing emotional dysregulatio...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - May 8, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tarocchi, A., Aschieri, F., Fantini, F., Smith, J. D. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Experimental Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Nightmares
This study will attempt to clarify this issue by using exposure therapy alone to treat a patient with PTSD. The participant is a 39-year-old male who experienced a single traumatic event. Data were collected on his sleep habits, as well as on the frequency and intensity of the nightmares. Results indicate that exposure-based nightmare treatment for PTSD sufferers should be considered in conjunction with standard treatment packages. (Source: Clinical Case Studies)
Source: Clinical Case Studies - May 8, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Cavera, R. S., Jacobs, L., Motta, R. W. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
A Psychodynamic Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Closet Narcissism
The purpose of this article was to increase awareness of an alternative presentation of narcissistic personality disorder, offer treatment strategies specifically geared toward such patients, and demonstrate how an understanding of object relations and defense mechanisms can guide interventions and improve diagnostic refinement. A case study was presented to illustrate this approach. This case study draws mainly from James Masterson’s developmental, self, and object relations approach to the treatment of closet narcissism. Additional psychodynamic theories were also incorporated to provide a more comprehensive concep...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - May 8, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Levine, A. B., Faust, J. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Flexible Application of Interoceptive and Situational Exposure-Based Treatment for an Outpatient With Multiple Anxiety and Mood Disorders: A Comprehensive Case Study
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious and effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, few guidelines exist on how to efficiently provide CBT when comorbidity is present. Given that anxiety disorders may share underlying mechanisms of maintenance, targeting such mechanisms may be fruitful when working with individuals who suffer from extensive anxiety-related comorbidity. The present study describes an interoceptive and situational exposure-based treatment with a 40-year-old outpatient whose presentation was complicated by multiple anxiety disorders and related difficulties. A comprehensive assessm...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - May 8, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Bunaciu, L., Feldner, M. T. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for an Indian Adolescent With Depression: A Clinical Case Study
This case study describes the treatment of an adolescent male, referred to as ML, who presented with a significant decline in academic performance coupled with a difficulty in coping with parental pressure. A formal assessment revealed the signs of moderate depression with anxiety features, especially on the dimensions of tension and guilt proneness. He was treated with 12 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) along with group sessions of family therapy and interpersonal therapy. ML’s progress throughout treatment is detailed in this case study report. Results lend support to the body of case series studies ...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - February 26, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Sondhi, R., Gulgulia, S., Shriharsh, V. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Supportive and Insight-Oriented Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an Adult Male Survivor of Sexual Assault
This is a single case study of a middle-aged man with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified following sexual assault as an adult. Treatment consisted of supportive psychodynamic psychotherapy, focusing on reintegrating the patient into his community, followed by insight-oriented psychodynamic psychotherapy with an emphasis on processing trauma and decreasing PTSD and dissociative symptoms. Daily subjective, self-report measures were used to track his symptoms over a 29-month period. Simulation Modeling Analysis for time-series was utilized to assess the phase change from pre...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - February 26, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Abbas, A., Macfie, J. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Treating Violent Impulses: A Case Study Utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing With a Military Client
The growing attention to acts of interpersonal violence and misconduct among military members has accompanied a host of research investigating the nature and causes associated with these behaviors. As such, a robust body of literature exists lending insight into risk factors and clinical presentations associated with anger and aggression; however, such factors are multidimensional and complex, particularly for those suffering with war stress injuries. Furthermore, mental health stigma and treatment compliance with exposure and cognitive-based models, particularly in clients with aggressive presentations, can impact success...
Source: Clinical Case Studies - February 26, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Wright, S. A., Russell, M. C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
