Systematic Desensitisation

• Systematic desensitization (SD)


  A behavioural therapy designed to gradually reduce phobic anxiety through the principle of classical conditioning
• Reciprocal inhibition


  It is impossible to be afraid and relaxed at the same time, one emotion prevents the other
• Types of systematic desensitization


  • In vivo - where the individual is exposed to the actual phobic object or situation
  • In vitro - where the individual imagines being exposed to the phobic object or situation
• Relaxation


  1. The therapist teaches the patient to relax as deeply as possible

  2. Breathing exercises like the 7/11 technique

  3. Mental imagery techniques like imagining relaxing situations or learning meditation
• The anxiety hierarchy


  A list of situations related to the phobia that provoke anxiety arranged in order from least to most frightening
• Gradual exposure


  1. The patient is gradually exposed to the phobic stimulus while in a relaxed state

  2. Starts at the bottom of the anxiety hierarchy

  3. Moves up the hierarchy as the patient can stay relaxed in the presence of the lower levels of the phobic stimulus

  4. Treatment is successful when the patient can stay relaxed in situations high on the anxiety hierarchy