Psychiatry Investig.  2016 Jan;13(1):161-163. 10.4306/pi.2016.13.1.161.

Desensitization of Triggers and Urge Reduction for Paruresis: A Case Report

• Park H
• Kim D
• Jang EY
• Bae H

• KMID: 2316610
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2016.13.1.161

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.

Keyword

Paruresis; Social phobia; Social anxiety disorder; Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy; Desensitization of triggers and urge reduction; Treatment

MeSH Terms

Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Diagnosis
Eye Movements
Follow-Up Studies
Phobic Disorders
Urination