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Biomedical subjects

P Butcher

Publications and source records attributed to P Butcher.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Existential-behaviour therapy: a possible paradigm?

A comparative discussion is presented of existential and behavioural psychotherapy, indicating where behavioural theory, empirical research and single case studies can be related to the existential emphasis on phenomenology and personal confrontation with death, freedom, isolation and meaninglessness. The conclusions are that: more recent emphasis on cognitive variables in behaviour therapy has brought the two conceptual systems closer together; and there is improvement in the understanding of aetiology and clinical effectiveness when the therapist incorporates existential-behavioural constructs and methods of working.

Attitude to Death↗

Habitual rumination: a benign disorder.

Nine patients who habitually ruminated after meals underwent clinical tests and psychological questioning. Barium meal radiography showed no abnormalities. In one patient oesophageal manometry detected an abnormally large gastric pressure wave 20 minutes after food. Although four patients had family psychiatric histories and three histories of overdose, anorexia nervosa, and mild reactive depression, none had any present serious psychiatric disorder. Behavioural therapy to reduce rumination was successful in one patient. Most patients responded to reassurance that the habit was harmless. Since the condition is a distinct clinical syndrome it may be recognised early with minimal investigations if doctors are aware of its existence.

Adolescent↗

The treatment of childhood-rooted separation anxiety in an adult.

This paper describes the behavioral treatment of a continuing separation anxiety experienced by a 31 yr old male with a long history of school phobia in childhood. The patient was successfully treated by using a wide variety of behavioral strategies. One novel therapeutic technique was used: the patient wore a bleeper which sounded as a regular reminder to prepare for a phobic situation and to relax in the face of anticipated fearful events.

Adolescent↗