Desensitization of Triggers and Urge Reduction for Paruresis: A Case Report.
- Author:
Hyoin PARK
1
;
Daeho KIM
;
Eun Young JANG
;
Hwallip BAE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: Paruresis; Social phobia; Social anxiety disorder; Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy; Desensitization of triggers and urge reduction; Treatment
- MeSH: Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Diagnosis; Eye Movements; Follow-Up Studies; Phobic Disorders; Urination
- From:Psychiatry Investigation 2016;13(1):161-163
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Paruresis is a special type of non-generalized social phobia that involves fear and avoidance of urination in public restrooms. We administered eight 60-minute sessions of desensitization of triggers and urge reduction (DeTUR), an addiction protocol of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, to a 29-year old man with paruresis of 10 year duration. Because phobic avoidance is the hallmark of any anxiety disorder, we applied DeTUR targeting the urge to avoid each anxiety-provoking situation in succession. After treatment, the participant no longer met the requirements for a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder, and the self-reported symptoms of social anxiety had decreased to non-clinical levels; furthermore, these treatment gains were maintained at the one-year follow-up. Further clinical studies are needed to generalize this finding.
