How Can I Help Myself?

In recent years a range of cognitive behavioural therapies, or CBT, have been developed for treating psychological problems. These work by addressing the patterns of thinking that are associated with a person's problematic behaviour and symptoms, and offering strategies and techniques for breaking these negative thought processes.

A tendency towards thinking negatively is common amongst DPAFU sufferers; these can include all-or-nothing thinking - 'if my DPAFU is present, I won't enjoy the day'; overgeneralization - you blame all negative sensations on DPAFU; and catastrophising - 'My DPAFU will get worse, I'll lose my job, I'll be alone' etc.

Working with your thoughts and behaviour using CBT exercises is likely to have a positive impact on the symptoms of DPAFU; indeed, CBT is the main psychological approach that has been found to benefit people with DPAFU. 

Treatment is usually carried out with a therapist, but CBT has now been adapted into book form. These self-help books help the sufferer to recognise and address the range of reactions, thoughts and feelings that they may be experiencing and offer a systematic programme of treatment which the sufferer is advised to work through to overcome their difficulties. For a great many people, cognitive behavioural self-help books provide a lifeline to recovery and a better future.