Paruresis: overview and implications for treatment

Atenolol treatment of paruresis

Atenolol, a cardioselective beta blocker, was administered following unsuccessful treatment with propranolol to a male with a significant history of paruresis. During atenolol therapy, the client reported a decrease in ANS symptoms but no increase in ability to urinate in public restrooms. Rationale for use of atenolol is discussed.

Propranolol treatment of paruresis (psychogenic urinary retention): a brief case report

Propranolol, a nonselective beta-blocker, was administered to a client with paruresis (psychogenic urinary retention) following a novel in vivo exposure treatment. The client did not report a significant increase in his ability to urinate in public facilities during subsequent exposures. Rationale for including propranolol as an adjunct to exposure therapy of paruresis is discussed.

Bethanechol chloride as a suggested adjunct to prolonged in vivo exposure therapy in the treatment of paruresis

A major difficulty in treating paruresis (psychogenic urinary retention) by prolonged in vivo exposure therapy involves the individual's inability to initiate urination in response to anxiety-provoking stimuli easily and frequently enough to generalize the desired behavior to everyday situations. Administration of bethanechol chloride, a parasympathomimetic compound that facilitates urination by prompting contraction of the detrusor muscle of the bladder, prior to therapeutic sessions is suggested to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of in vivo desensitization procedures in the treatment of paruresis.