behavioural approach to treating phobias

what is systematic desensitisation?

a behavioural therapy designed to gradually reduce phobic anxiety through principle of classical conditioning

what is the effect of systematic desensitisation?

can help sufferer learn to relax in presence of the phobic stimulus so cure phobia

what are the three processes involves in behavioural approach to treating phobias?

• the anxiety hierarchy

• relaxation

• exposure

what is the anxiety hierarchy?

a list of situations related to the phobic stimulus that provoke anxiety arranged in order from least to most frightening

• out together by patient and therapist

what are relaxation techniques?

• breathing exercises

• learn mental imagery

  • imagine themselves in relaxing situations

• drugs

what are the strengths of systematic desensitisation?

• supporting research shows it’s effective

• suitable for a diverse range of patients

• acceptable to patients

supporting research shows it’s effective

• researchers followed up 42 patients who had been treated for spider phobia in 3 45 minute sessions of systematic desensitisation

• control group was treated by relaxation without exposure

• at both three months and 33 months after treatment, systematic desensitisation were less fearful than control group

• supporting research increases validity

suitable for a diverse range of patients

• some sufferers of anxiety disorders also have learning difficulties

• these can make it very hard for some to understand what’s happening during flooding

• or to engage with cognitive therapies that require ability to reflect on what you’re thinking

• systematic desensitisation it therefore more appropriate than flooding

preferred by patients

• those given a choice usually choose systematic desensitisation at

• it does not cause the same degree of trauma as flooding

• may be pleasant as includes learning relaxing procedures

• reflected by low refusal and drop out rates