Behavioural Treatments of Phobias

• Systematic desensitisation

  Based on the idea of reciprocal inhibition – we cannot fear something and be relaxed at the same time 

  Construct hierarchy of stressful situations (ordered from least frightening to most) -> teach clients how to relax (relaxation techniques) -> graduated exposure to phobic stimulus (only move up the hierarchy if relaxed in the previous stage) 
• Systematic desensitisation A03 

  • Very effective as evidence from McGrath et al found that 95% of patients with phobias respond to SD unlike other therapies making it easier to administer and longer lasting  
  • Diverse range of clients as children and ppl with learning disabilities will not understand flooding so this is more applicable and those with medical conditions shouldn't be exposed to flooding so SD is more appropriate 
  • Treatments can be time consuming and expensive so not accessible to all unlike drug therapies offered by the NHS 
• Virtual reality exposure screening technique


  New techniques based on SD in which the 3D display allows them to pick up sensory cues and the computer model shows therapist what they are seeing 
• Flooding

  Treatment that involve the immediate exposure to a feared object, activity or event until their id no fear response 

  Person must unlearn the connection between the CS and CR 

  Prevent escape to activate the fight of flight response
• Flooding A03

  Less intensive efforts so easier to administer which is quicker and more cost effective as it has fewer sessions, so patients are free of symptoms quicker 

  Ethical issues due to extreme stress and anxiety so we must question how appropriate the traumatic situations are  

  Treatments are less effective for all phobias as complex phobias appear to have cognitive aspects so they would benefit more from cognitive therapies to tackle irrational thinking