DP 11 - Specific phobia treatment

Question 1

List bio, psycho and social interventions

Answer 1

Biological:
- Benzos
- Relaxation techniques

Psychological:
- CBT
- systematic desensitisation

Social:
- psychoeducation for family

Question 2

Benzodiazepines

Answer 2

GABA agonists so increase GABA effects

They are highly effective in short-term but reduce alertness and are addictive. They also treat symptoms not cause.

Question 3

Relaxation techniques

Answer 3

Breathing retraining is to stop hyperventilation or shallow breathing which can increase fear.
Slow, regular breaths to relax body

Question 4

CBT

Answer 4

CBT aims change problem thoughts and behaviours and improve coping skills

behavioural therapy can include breathing and gradual exposure

Question 5

Systematic desensitisation
3 steps

Answer 5

Aims to replace anxiety response with relaxation when exposed to phobia

1. learn relaxation technique like breathing
2. create a fear hierarchy (list of feared objects from best to worst)
3. gradually pair items to hierarchy with relaxation and work upwards.

Question 6

Psychoeducation
2 main focuses

Answer 6

explaining mental disorder and increasing understanding.

1. encouragement in challenging unrealistic thoughts
2. not encouraging avoidance behaviours