Behavioural Approach to Treating Phobias

• Systematic Desensitisation:

  :) RTS Gilroy

  > followed up 42 people who had SD for spider phobias in three 45 minute sessions - at both 3 months and 33 months after treatment, the SD group were less fearful than a control group who were treated with therapy

  > therefore, an effective treatment
• Systematic Desensitisation:

  :( requires motivation and commitment

  > patients must attend sessions over a period of time and be exposed to anxiety provoking situations - may make some patients stop, so it is ineffective

  > unlike drug therapy, which requires little motivation as they only have to take a tablet to reduce anxiety

  > therefore limiting the appropriateness of SD
• Systematic Desensitisation:

  :) high control over therapy

  > patients create their own hierarchy and move through the stages gradually once they are relaxed

  > this is unlike flooding which can be quite traumatic - they are immediately exposed to the most feared stimuli, which can cause high anxiety

  > SD = low refusal and attrition rates - therefore, an appropriate treatment
• Systematic Desensitisation:

  :) virtual reality

  > exposure through virtual reality can be used to avoid dangerous situations, such as heights or animals like sharks

  > time and cost effective because the therapist and client do not need to leave the consulting room

  > can be used to treat a wide scope of phobias - accessible treatment for a variety of patients
• Flooding:

  :) cost-effective

  > can work in as little as one session due to the immediate exposure and extinction of the phobia, unlike SD, which could take up to 10 sessions due to gradual exposure

  > may be more cost-effective for the NHS, which benefits the economy

  > appropriate treatment
• Flooding:

  :( unethical

  > patient experiences extreme anxiety - exposed to most feared stimulus for 2-3 hours - whereas SD gradually exposes patients

  > Schumacher - patients and therapists rate flooding as significantly more stressful = higher attrition rates

  > reducing the appropriateness and effectiveness of treatment