Systematic Desensitisation AO3

• +Evidence of effectiveness.

  Gilroy followed up 42 people who had SD for arachnophobia in 3 45 minute sessions. At 3 and 33 months, the SD group were less fearful than a control group treated by relaxation without exposure. Wechsler concluded that SD is effective for specific phobia, social phobia and agoraphobia. Therefore SD is likely to help people with phobias.
• +Can be used on people with learning disabilities.

  Some people requiring treatment for phobias also have a learning disability. But the main alternatives for SD aren’t suitable. People with learning disabilities often struggle with cognitive therapies that require a high level of rational thought. They may also feel confused and distressed by the tarantula experience of flooding. Therefore SD is often the most appropriate treatment.