A Case of Fetishism and Impotence Treated by Behaviour Therapy

Abstract

Although the literature is sparse on the subject, the perversions have been successfully treated by behaviour therapy. The treatment is based on the hypothesis that aberrant sexual behaviour has been acquired as a learned response and can be abolished along the lines indicated by learning theory. Raymond (1956) and James (1962) employing aversion techniques, successfully treated cases of glove fetishism and homosexuality respectively. Raymond's patient has since partially relapsed and has been readmitted for further treatment.The present paper describes a case of fetishism and impotence treated by a combination of aversion therapy and therapy based on reciprocal inhibition (Wolpe, 1958). This case is thought to be of special interest in that to some extent the patient acted as his own control, since previous methods of treatment had been unsuccessful.