Interventions for specific phobias

Evidence-based interventions

Are treatments that have been found to be effective on the basis of valid and reliable research studies

Biological interventions

Target bodily mechanisms believed to be contributing to a phobia or its symptoms

* benzodiazepines
* breathing retraining

Benzodiazepines

GABA agonists that stimulus GABAS inhibitory effects at the site of a post synaptic neuron reducing physiological arousal and promote relaxation.

Limits of using benzodiazepines

reduces alertness

addictive

symptoms may return if underlying cause of the anxiety has not been addressed

Breathing retraining

An anxiety management technique that involves teaching correct breathing habits.

What happens when you over breathe and hence why is it important to correct breathing patterns?

Inhaling more oxygen then needed so upsetting the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide resulting in low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood making you feel dizzy, blurred vision and heightened feelings of anxiety

Psychological interventions

* CBT
* systematic desensitisation

Cognitive behavioural therapy

used to change thoughts an behaviours that perpetuate the phobia and to improve coping skills. Addresses the thought patterns underlying a specific phobia.

Systematic desenitisation

A commonly used and effective ‘graduated exposure’ technique that has helped people manage their fear

* aims to replace an anxiety response with a relaxation response

Social intervention

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation

Involves the provision and explanation of information about a mental disorder to individuals diagnosed with the disorder and their family to increase knowledge and understanding of their disorder and its treatments.