Use of instructions and apparatus-enhanced suggestion in treating a case of headaches, nightmares and nocturnal enuresis.

Verbal suggestions combined with an elaborate placebo ritual and apparatus (polygraph, relay rack, and oscilloscope) eliminated headaches, nightmares, and nocturnal enuresis in a 10-yr-old girl. S had no prior history of abnormal or maladaptive behavior and had begun exhibiting the problem behaviors after a serious accident. Treatment consisted of 4 placebo sessions. Target behaviors decreased rapidly and in a sequence consistent with a psychophysiologic analysis of their components but somewhat inconsistent with apparent sources of reinforcement. Treatment effects are attributed to cognitive process variables such as expectancy and attribution. Treatment gains were maintained at a 24-mo follow-up. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)