Reciprocal inhibition therapy of a case of symptomatic erythema

Behaviour therapy in dermatological practice

“…So here there is a second conditioning process in which the erythrophobia becomes an emotional response which, according to the classical conditioning paradigm, is elicited by the threatening situation and the symptomatic erythema connected to it. Gibbs (1965) states: 'The blushing exacerbates the anxiety in a secondary way since the symptom itself embarrasses the patient'. Since in these cases the inhibition of the ability to express emotions is the basic problem, the therapy will have to be directed towards learning to experience, accept and to express the inhibited emotions; such as anger, discontent, aggression, friendliness or affection, towards other people.…”

“…Within a week the patient appeared to have completely brought the involuntary blushing under voluntary control. Gibbs (1965) describes the treatment of a case of symptomatic erythema. The subject had been seriously troubled by excessive blushing in social situations for the previous 7 years.…”

“…Certain psychic reactions, like terror, fear, fury and strong concentration, are attended by increased sweating (Kuno, 1956). The palms and soles sweat more than normally in difficult life-situations and during psychic stress.…”

“…We are now developing techniques in which, along with the above mentioned therapeutic methods, an attempt is made to condition instrumentally the sweat gland activity itself (Kuypers & Cotton, 1972).…”

Treatment of Chronic Blushing by Paradoxical Intention

“…Two previous articles report the successful treatment of chronic blushing (Salter, 1952, Case 10;Gibbs, 1965). Both cases employed techniques which were designed to increase the patient's self-assertiveness.…”