[Schultz autogenic training and galvanic skin response in the systematic desensitization of a compulsive phobia]

Abstract

A patient suffering suicidal phobia and resistant to antidepressants as well as electroconvulsive therapy was submitted to Wolpe's systematic desensitization associated with Schult's autogenic training. Ten sessions were sufficient to cure the patient. A follow-up period now extends to one year, without relapse. The concomitent measure of skin galvanic response by an electrodermograph appears a privileged psychophysiological control of such a therapy, i.a. allowing for detection of the avoidance of the anxiogenic evocation by the patient.