Sexual arousal as a sympathetic inhibitor in the treatment of claustrophobia

Abstract

A 21-yr-old female who had been suffering from severe claustrophobic anxiety was treated by using sexual arousal as the incompatible response. Following thirteen weeks of treatment the client was able to enter and remain in the three situations that had previously produced intense anxiety. In addition, the client's daily dosage of Valium had decreased from 40 mg to almost complete elimination of the drug. At a one year follow-up all therapeutic gains had been maintained.