J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 1992 Dec;23(4):299-302. doi: 10.1016/0005-7916(92)90052-k.

Use of mobile phones in the behavioral treatment of driving phobias.

Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry

T M Flynn, P Taylor, C A Pollard

PMID: 1363820 DOI: 10.1016/0005-7916(92)90052-k

Abstract

Results of two case studies are presented to illustrate the use of mobile phones with in vivo exposure treatment of refractory driving phobias. Number of miles driven and subjective ratings of anxiety were recorded during a baseline phase and 8 weeks of treatment involving a total of 24 driving practices. One subject's use of a mobile phone increased the number of miles driven alone, but the second subject made little progress and regressed following removal of the phone. These two cases and our experience with other patients suggest that mobile phones can benefit many individuals whose therapeutic progress is impeded by a fear of driving alone, but that phones are counterproductive for certain patients. The potential benefits and disadvantages of using mobile phones are discussed.

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MeSH terms

• Adult
• Agoraphobia / psychology
• Agoraphobia / therapy
• Automobile Driving / psychology
• Behavior Therapy / methods
• Desensitization, Psychologic / methods
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Panic Disorder / psychology
• Panic Disorder / therapy
• Phobic Disorders / psychology
• Phobic Disorders / therapy
• Professional-Patient Relations
• Social Support
• Telephone*

Publication Types

• Case Reports
• Journal Article

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