The use of covert sensitization and social skills training in the treatment of an obscene telephone caller.

This case study examines the use of covert sensitization and social skills training to treat an obscene telephone caller on a behaviorally-oriented inpatient psychiatric unit. Rapid decreases in penile tumescence associated with obscene telephone calling were obtained after covert sensitization treatment and were maintained at one year follow-up. Social skills training led to a decrease in social anxiety and increase in social behavior. Results support the combined clinical effectiveness of covert sensitization and social skills training for the treatment of obscene telephone calling.