Treatment of erotomania using cognitive behavioural psychotherapy approaches

Abstract

Purpose

This case report seeks to describe successful treatment of erotomania using cognitive behavioural psychotherapy in concert with community support providers applying similar psychotherapeutic approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

A case report is presented illustrating successful treatment of an individual with erotomania and intellectual disability. Pharmacotherapy assessment suggested its ineffectiveness and medicines were slowly reduced and discontinued. Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy provided a venue to discuss personal issues and work on solutions. The community support system was enlisted to approach the problem using two main psychotherapeutic strategies: eliminate social attention for the delusion; and increase social relationships.

Findings

Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy working in collaboration with the community support system resulted in great improvement. Within three years, the individual returned to previous functioning with no symptoms of the delusional disorder.

Originality/value

This case study illustrates the successful treatment of erotomania using cognitive behavioural psychotherapy and engaging the community support system in applying directed psychotherapeutic strategies. Erotomania occurs in people with intellectual disability and must be recognized and treated. Ineffective pharmacotherapy was successfully reduced and discontinued within the context of appropriate therapeutic supports.

Citation

Desnoyers Hurley, A. (2012), "Treatment of erotomania using cognitive behavioural psychotherapy approaches", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 6 No. 2, pp. 76-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/20441281211208437