A03

• What is one strength of systematic desensitisation (SD)?

  Evidence base for its effectiveness
• What did Lisa Gilroy et al. (2003) study about SD?

  They followed up 42 people with spider phobia
• How many sessions of SD did participants undergo in Gilroy et al.'s study?

  Three 45-minute sessions
• What were the results of Gilroy et al.'s study at three and 33 months?

  SD group were less fearful than control group
• What did Theresa Wechsler et al. (2019) conclude about SD?

  SD is effective for specific phobia, social phobia, and agoraphobia
• Why is SD likely to be helpful for people with phobias?

  It has a strong evidence base for effectiveness
• Who can benefit from systematic desensitisation (SD)?

  People with learning disabilities
• Why might cognitive therapies be unsuitable for people with learning disabilities?

  They require complex rational thought
• What is a potential issue with flooding for people with learning disabilities?

  They may feel confused and distressed
• Why is SD often the most appropriate treatment for people with learning disabilities who have phobias?

  It is suitable for their cognitive abilities