Distraction and relaxation training in the treatment of anticipatory vomiting: a single subject intervention.

A within-series phase change design (ABABC) was used to evaluate the effect of video distraction and relaxation in the treatment of a 29-year-old male with anticipatory vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. Heart rate, blood pressure, nausea ratings, and the occurrence of emesis were recorded during 18 chemotherapy treatments over a 9 month period. Video distraction initially inhibited vomiting but the treatment effects were not maintained. Subsequent relaxation training inhibited vomiting after two sessions. These effects were maintained for the remainder of the patient's chemotherapy protocol.