Two cases of phobic neurosis treated successfully by behaviour therapy

The authors, a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist, have successfully treated two cases of phobic neurosis by simple behaviour therapy consisting of Jacobson's muscle relaxation technique and systemic desensitisation, at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. The two patients, who were literally housebound because of the unpleasant symptoms of their illness, were able to mobilise themselves again following therapy. The authors feel that general practitioners with some basic training in these methods will be able to bring relief to such afflicted patients. Using the same technique, other conditions such as insomnia, alcoholism and sexual deviations can also be treated.