Treating phobias

• What is the main goal of systematic desensitization?

  To reduce phobia anxiety through classical conditioning
• What does systematic desensitization aim to replace fear with?

  More desirable behavior, such as relaxation
• What is reciprocal inhibition in the context of systematic desensitization?

  Cannot feel fear and relaxed simultaneously
• What are the steps involved in systematic desensitization?

  1. Create an anxiety hierarchy
  2. Teach relaxation techniques
  3. Gradual exposure to fear
  4. Break bond between CS and CR
• What is the first step in systematic desensitization?

  Creating an anxiety hierarchy
• What techniques are taught to clients for relaxation in systematic desensitization?

  Breathing exercises and mental imagery techniques
• How does exposure work in systematic desensitization?

  Client gradually works up the anxiety hierarchy
• What is counterconditioning in systematic desensitization?

  Replacing fear response with an antagonistic response
• When is treatment considered successful in systematic desensitization?

  When the client stays relaxed in high anxiety situations
• What supporting evidence exists for the effectiveness of systematic desensitization?

  • Gilroy et al study on 42 patients
  • Less fear of spiders after 33 months
  • Wechsler et al supports effectiveness for specific phobias
• What did Gilroy et al find about systematic desensitization?

  Patients showed less fear of spiders
• Why is systematic desensitization suitable for people with learning disabilities?

  It does not require high levels of rational thought
• What are the characteristics of flooding therapy?

  • Immediate exposure to phobic stimulus
  • Longer sessions (2-3 hours)
  • Sometimes only one session needed
• What is the main goal of flooding therapy?

  To eliminate avoidance behavior and learn stimulus is harmless
• How does flooding achieve extinction?

  CS encountered without UCS, extinguishing fear
• What ethical consideration is important in flooding therapy?

  Requires informed consent due to trauma
• What supporting evidence exists for the effectiveness of flooding therapy?

  • Solter's case study on a 5-month-old baby
  • Positive outcome for traumatic stress disorder
• What did Solter's case study demonstrate about flooding therapy?

  It effectively treated traumatic stress disorder
• Why is flooding considered cost-effective?

  It is clinically effective and not expensive
• What are the limitations of flooding therapy?

  • Not suitable for all patients
  • Can be traumatic and stressful
  • Not good for those with poor physical health
• What did Schumacher et al find about flooding therapy?

  It was rated more stressful than SD
• What risk does flooding pose to patients with poor physical health?

  Increased risk of heart attack from stress