Beyond exposure therapy: formulation-based therapy treating a fear of urinary incontinence - a case study.

BACKGROUND

The current literature on the specific phobia of urinary incontinence is limited, with no specific empirically established model or treatment protocol.

AIMS: This article consists of a case study of formulation-driven cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for phobia of urinary incontinence.

METHOD: Martin attended a total of 12 treatment sessions. The treatment included the development of an idiosyncratic formulation, and the use of well-established cognitive and behavioural treatment strategies from other anxiety disorders.

RESULTS

Both outcome measures and Martin's subjective report indicate that the treatment was effective.

CONCLUSION

This case study contributes to the current limited literature on this phobia, and emphasises the importance of formulation-driven CBT to map for idiosyncratic features and target cognitive and behavioural factors.