Psicothema was founded in Asturias (northern Spain) in 1989, and is published jointly by the Psychology Faculty of the University of Oviedo and the Psychological Association of the Principality of Asturias (Colegio Oficial de Psicología del Principado de Asturias).
We currently publish four issues per year, which accounts for some 100 articles annually. We admit work from both the basic and applied research fields, and from all areas of Psychology, all manuscripts being anonymously reviewed prior to publication.
Carlos Cuevas-Yust, Patricia Delgado-Ríos and Silvia Escudero-Pérez
Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío
Background: We present the application of cognitive-behavioural therapy in a clinical case diagnosed with delusional dysmorphophobia. Method: The psychometric scales used for evaluation were the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia, Beck Anxiety and Depression inventories, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale along with the degree of conviction in the delusional belief and in alternative explanations, and social functioning measured by patient reporting. The therapy included cognitive and behavioural techniques: evidence analysis, search for alternative explanations, logical and functional analysis, reality testing, progressive relaxation techniques, in vivo and imaginal exposure therapy. Evaluations were performed before and after the treatment and then at follow-up after 12 and 24 months. Results: Progressively, the delusional conviction disappeared. There were significant improvements at an emotional level and the patient recovered social and work functioning. Conclusions: The need to use psychological treatments for people with delusional disorder as first choice treatment must be considered.
Terapia cognitivo-conductual y recuperación en un caso de dismorfofobia delirante. Objetivo: presentamos la aplicación de terapia cognitivo-conductual a un caso diagnosticado de dismorfofobia delirante. Método: las medidas de evaluación fueron la Escala de Síndromes Positivo-Negativo (PANNS), grado de convicción en creencia delirante y explicación alternativa, inventarios ansiedad/depresión de Beck, escala autoestima Rosenberg y funcionamiento social (informe paciente). La terapia incluyó técnicas cognitivas-conductuales: análisis de evidencias, explicaciones alternativas, análisis lógico-funcional, pruebas de realidad, relajación, exposición en imágenes/en vivo. Hubo medidas antes-después del tratamiento y en seguimientos a los 12-24 meses. Resultados: progresivamente la convicción delirante desapareció. Hubo significativas mejorías emocionales y recuperación del funcionamiento socio-laboral. Conclusiones: en los trastornos delirantes consideramos preciso ofrecer, como primera elección, tratamientos psicológicos.