Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate a unique brief intervention, which offers a combination of neuro-linguistic programming and practical graded exposure therapy, to overcome a fear of heights.BackgroundA fear of heights or acrophobia is common and often deters people from perusing activities like climbing. It can also interfere with routine activities of daily living.Case reportThis two-day intervention is set in the Peak District (Derbyshire, UK) and works with a maximum of eight individuals to four instructors. The first half-day involves working with a psychotherapist using neurolinguistic programing techniques. The next 1.5 days involves graded exposure using abseiling over gradually increasing heights, to a final height of approximately 40 feet.DiscussionAll eight individuals on the two-day course felt their fear of highs had significantly decreased. All eight individuals would recommend this intervention to others suffering from a fear of heights.ConclusionIt is noteworthy that the group undergoing this intervention were self-selected and highly motivated to overcome their fear of heights. The sample size was small and outcome measures were subjective. However, this is a novel and effective approach to helping people overcome their fear of heights. Further research with larger sample sizes would be beneficial in further assessing the impact of this intervention.Declaration: Permission was granted by the organizers of this intervention to submit an abstract to conference. There are no conflicts of interests. This intervention is run by a private company ‘Will4Adventure’, I have no finical or other interests in this company. I privately funded my own place on this course.
Highlights
Increase awareness of the risk associated with access to firearms in clinical practice
A 57-year-old man, with a 30 year history of schizophrenia, was reviewed routinely at home. His illness is predominantly characterised by chronic delusions of a grandiose nature
He believes he has been offered various senior employment positions and has acted on these beliefs by presenting at workplaces in business attire. He has no insight into his condition
Summary
OCD symptoms being solely concerned with COVID-related contamination. The questionnaires routinely completed at the time of assessment and treatment were the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (OCI); Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic the patient’s response to treatment with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) including ERP indicated a 79% improvement in OCD symptoms on self -rated measures. The impact of the pandemic led to a significant 65% deterioration in OCD symptoms, regarding COVID-19 contamination concerns. The patient showed a 65% improvement in depression symptoms. The case study supports literature indicating the exacerbation of OCD symptoms due to the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with contamination fears and washing compulsions. The promising results support the use of ERP as an effective treatment for COVID-related OCD symptoms. It validates the provision of CBT interventions virtually to ensure accessibility of treatment to OCD sufferers.
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