[Prolonged exposure (flooding) in phobic and obsessive compulsive patients: 21 cases (author's transl)].

A first appraisal of 21 patients with phobic (n = 15), obsessive-compulsive (n = 5) and bereavement problems (n = 1) is carried out after a flooding procedure (prolonged exposure). One case is reported in detail. The actuarial rate of improvement amounts to 73% at a follow up between 6 and 9 months. The failures and relapses take place in the first month following the treatment. Two psychotic subjects show a significant improvement. The importance of the patient's expectations and motivation and the interpersonal aspects are underlined.