Paradoxical Intention and Exposure In vivo in the Treatment of Psychogenic Nausea: Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Two patients suffering from long-standing psychogenic nausea were treated by paradoxical intention and exposure in vivo within an A–BC–B–BC single case experimental design. Each received six treatment sessions. At the six month follow-up, both patients had improved substantially. Contrary to what was expected, paradoxical intention produced adverse outcome; both patients because nauseous and even vomited a few times while practicing the technique. Exposure in vivo gave better results.