BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT OF DISEASE-RELATED CHRONIC INSOMNIA IN A HEMOPHILIAC Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Hemophilia represents a congenital chronic disorder characterized by recurrent unpredictable internal hemorrhages with accompanying acute bleeding pain. The medical management of a 38-year-old hemophiliac with severe classic hemophilia was further complicated by a high titer Factor VIII antibody, increasing the life-threatening status of a severe hemorrhage. The patient had a one-year history of less than 2 hours of sleep per night as a result of daily chronic tension and intrusive cognitions about the dangers of his illness. A treatment package consisting of progressive muscle relaxation, meditative breathing, cognitive refocusing, and stimulus control procedures resulted in an average of 6 hours per night of uninterrupted sleep; improvement was maintained over a 27-week follow-up period. The treatment is discussed within the context of the behavioral medicine approach in hemophilia comprehensive care. 1980.

published proceedings

  • JOURNAL OF BEHAVIOR THERAPY AND EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHIATRY

author list (cited authors)

  • VARNI, J. W.

citation count

  • 15

complete list of authors

  • VARNI, JW

publication date

  • June 1980