Most like 16/8 AO3

• Evidence for systematic desensitisation (phobias).


  Gilroy et al (2003)

  Found at 3 and 33 months post-treatment the 42 ppt who underwent SD were less fearful.
• Systematic desensitisation is more appropriate.


  For sufferers with learning disabilities cognitive therapies are often a struggle requiring complex rational thought.

  Furthermore, it lowers drop-out/refusal rates as it causes less trauma.
• Flooding is more cost-effective.


  It is proven to be clinically effective and is less expensive as it can work in as little as one session whereas SD requires 10 typically.
• Flooding is highly traumatic.


  Schumacher et al (2015) found both ppt and therapists rated flooding as more stressful than SD - which leads to high drop out.

  This raises ethical issues as even with informed consent stress is knowingly being caused.
• Empirical evidence in support of drug treatment for OCD.


  Empirical evidence that SSRIs reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life.

  Soomro et al (2009) reviewed 7 studies comparing SSRIs to placebos - all showed better outcomes for SSRIs with symptom reduction for 70% of people.
• Drug treatments for OCD are both cost-effective and non-disruptive.


  Cheaper as they can be manufactured in bulk in minimal time compared to psychological therapies.

  Good use of limited NHS funds.

  No need to attend sessions requiring time to be blocked out.
• Side effects of OCD drug treatments.


  Potentially serious; indigestion, blurred vision, loss of sex drive - although often temporary they're still distressing.

  Clomipramine can lead to erection problems and weight gain as well as aggression and heart issues.

  This can lead to further MH decline.