A Modularized Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Water Phobia in an Adolescent with Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia

ABSTRACT

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a modularized treatment of a specific fear of water for a 14-year-old youth with childhood onset schizophrenia using a multiple-baseline across behaviors design. Treatment included gradual exposure to a hierarchy of feared water-related situations with rewards for successful approximations ranging from looking at water to swimming in a pool. Both parent and youth fear ratings, as well as behavioral observation, were used to monitor treatment progress over the course of 22 weeks. Consistent and repeated exposure successfully reduced fear and avoidance of the swimming pool over time.

KEYWORDS:

• Modular cognitive-behavior therapy
• childhood-onset schizophrenia
• specific phobia
• multiple baseline