The Use of Systematic Desensitization in the Treatment of Pnigophobia

Pnigophobia or Pnigerophobia is defined as the persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of choking or of being smothered. In this case study the client does not have an extreme case of pnigophobia, but has a fear of being smothered when placed under blankets or when anything has caused the client not to see because of an object around their face. For most severe cases pnigerophobia therapies could take months or years. Symptoms of pnigophobia include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and overall feelings of dread, although everyone experiences pnigophobia in their own way and may have different symptoms. Pnigophobia can also lead to panic attacks. Pnigophobia is created by the unconscious mind as a protective mechanism. In this case study the therapy used to reduce the fear of being smothered will be systematic desensitization. Systematic desensitization has been one method that has been consistently proven to be effective in the treatment o...