Tratamiento cognitivo-conductual de fobia específica en la infancia: estudio de caso

Abstract

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. ObjectivesTo achieve a reduction in the patient's number of concerns and psychophysiological arousal, to challenge unrealistic expectations and to eliminate avoidance and escape behaviours. AssessmentAmong others, the Spanish version of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and the Fear Survey Schedule for Children-Revised (FSSC-R), were used. InterventionGroup adaptation of the Brief Coping Cat (BCC) and individual in vivo exposure. ResultsOverall 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. ConclusionsThis 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.