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Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment of Space Phobia: A Case Report

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 June 2009

Mark Steels  and
Carol Gilboy
Mark Steels
Affiliation:
University Hospital, Nottingham
Carol Gilboy
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychology Services, Milton Keynes
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Abstract

Space phobia is a well defined rare syndrome, similar but distinct from agoraphobia. Its key distinguishing feature is fear of absent visuospatial support (open spaces) and of falling. In the past, this condition has generally been considered resistant to treatment by exposure in vivo. We report a case of a woman suffering from severe space phobia who received a cognitive-behavioural based treatment package. The gains that she made are described, but overall her condition remained relatively resistant to therapy. We suggest that a degree of caution regarding outcome goals at the start of any similar treatment of this rare disorder is wise.

Type
Clinical Section
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 23 , Issue 1 , January 1995 , pp. 71 - 75
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 1995

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