Rapid Inpatient Behavioral Treatment for Choking Phobia in Children

Abstract

Six children with acquired choking phobia who failed outpatient intervention were treated in a rapid, behaviorally based inpatient program that integrated in vivo exposure with contingency management. Motivation to eat feared foods was increased via the manipulation of appetite and hospital privileges (e.g., visits, TV). Children were required to eat small quantities of feared food to receive privileges, and failure to meet these requirements resulted in privilege suspension. Elimination of the choking phobia occurred within 3 days. This approach is appropriate for cases in which outpatient treatment fails, in which parents have made legitimate attempts at home-based treatment, or in which the child's medical condition warrants it.