Treating phobias

• What is the main principle behind systematic desensitisation?

  It uses classical conditioning to reduce anxiety
• How does counterconditioning work in systematic desensitisation?

  It pairs the phobic stimulus with relaxation
• What does reciprocal inhibition mean in the context of phobias?

  It means you cannot be relaxed and afraid simultaneously
• What are the three processes involved in systematic desensitisation?

  • Anxiety hierarchy
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Exposure to the phobic stimulus
• What is an anxiety hierarchy?

  It is a list of anxiety-provoking situations
• How is relaxation achieved in systematic desensitisation?

  Through breathing exercises or meditation
• What happens during the exposure phase of systematic desensitisation?

  The patient is exposed to the phobic stimulus while relaxed
• What indicates that treatment in systematic desensitisation is successful?

  When the patient can stay relaxed in high anxiety situations
• What did Gilroy et al's study focus on?

  Patients treated for spider phobia
• What were the findings of Gilroy et al's study on systematic desensitisation?

  SD group was less fearful than the control group
• Why is systematic desensitisation suitable for a diverse range of patients?

  It works well with various individuals
• Why do patients prefer systematic desensitisation over flooding?

  It causes less trauma than flooding
• What is flooding in the context of phobia treatment?

  Immediate exposure to a frightening situation
• How long do flooding sessions typically last?

  2 to 3 hours
• What is the goal of flooding therapy?

  To stop phobic responses quickly
• What does extinction mean in classical conditioning?

  Conditioned stimulus no longer produces conditioned response
• What ethical consideration is important in flooding therapy?

  Informed consent from the patient
• Why might flooding be considered traumatic for patients?

  It is a highly unpleasant experience
• What is a drawback of flooding therapy regarding patient participation?

  Many patients refuse to complete the treatment
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of flooding therapy?

  Strengths:

  • Cost-effective
  • Quick results for simple phobias

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Less effective for complex phobias
  • Highly traumatic for patients
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of systematic desensitisation?

  Strengths:

  • Effective long-term treatment
  • Suitable for diverse patients
  • Acceptable to patients

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Time-consuming
  • Requires patient cooperation