異常行動心理学

Phagophobia in a Young Woman with Autism Spectrum Disorders Using Speech Language Therapy: A Case Report

Abstract

Eleftheria Ismirlidou*

Purpose: Choking phobia or phagophobia is a rare disorder and relevant literature is extremely limited. Specifically, it is said that phagophobia is a phobic disorder and it is a form of psychogenic dysphagia. People with phagophobia face no pathological physical examination findings, even though they fear and avoid swallowing food, fluids and/or pills. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a developmental disability. ASD individuals face difficulties with communication, social interaction with restricted and/or repetitive patterns of behaviour. There is no relevant research – that has come to my attention- in accordance with phagophobia and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Method: In this article, I present an autistic 32-year-old female who visited me on her own and was facing difficulty, fear and avoidance of swallowing and was treated with speech and language therapy. As soon as she realized that she had that difficulty, 1 and a half year ago, she visited two different otolaryngologists who were unable to diagnose her as her laboratory results were normal. Nonetheless, she had difficulty swallowing different foods and eating in front of a crowd. The management of the patient included both behaviour and speech and language therapy (dysphagia techniques program). There were a 1-month weekly sessions, then a 2-month consolidation period and a follow up session.

Results: The case showed significant improvement. A speech and language therapy program in the form of a dysphagia program can successfully be used in the treatment.

Conclusions: The said research tried to enlighten phagophobia in an ASD individual. Therapeutic strategies are stated from the scope of speech and language pathology. As a case study, generalizations cannot be made and further research is highly recommended.