Psychopathology - Behavioural Approach To Treating Phobias Flashcards
What is systematic desensitisation (SD)?
A behavioural therapy designed to reduce an unwanted response, such as anxiety, to a stimulus. SD involves drawing up a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking situations related to the phobic stimulus, teaching the patient to relax, and exposing them to phobic situations. The patient works their way through the hierarchy whilst maintaining relaxation.
What is flooding?
A behavioural therapy in which a phobic patient is exposed to an extreme form of a phobic stimulus in order to reduce anxiety triggered by that stimulus. This takes place across a small number of long therapy sessions.
What is the aim of systematic desensitisation?
To gradually reduce phobic anxiety through the principle of classical conditioning.
What are the three processes involved in systematic desensitisation?
The anxiety hierarchy: Put together by the patient and therapist. A list of situations related to the phobic stimulus that provoke anxiety, arranged from least to most frightening.
Relaxation: The therapist teaches the patient to relax as deeply as possible. Relaxation might involve breathing exercises or mental imagery techniques. Alternatively, relaxation can be achieved using drugs such as Valium.
Exposure: The patient is exposed to the phobic stimulus while in a relaxed state. This takes place across several sessions, starting at the bottom of the hierarchy. Treatment is successful when the patient can stay relaxed in situations high on the anxiety hierarchy.
How does flooding work?
Flooding stops phobic responses very quickly. This may be because, without the option of avoidance behaviour, the patient quickly learns that the phobic stimulus is harmless. In classical conditioning terms, this process is called extinction. A learned response is extinguished when the conditioned stimulus (e.g., a dog) is encountered without the unconditioned stimulus (e.g., being bitten).
What are the ethical safeguards for flooding?
Flooding is not unethical per se but is an unpleasant experience, so it is important that patients give fully informed consent. They must be fully prepared before the flooding session.
What is one evaluation point for systematic desensitisation?
Systematic desensitisation is effective. Research by Gilroy et al. (2003) demonstrated this through a study of 42 patients treated for spider phobia. After three 45-minute sessions of systematic desensitisation, patients were less fearful than a control group treated with relaxation alone. The benefits were long-lasting, as evidenced by follow-ups at 3 and 33 months post-treatment. This shows that systematic desensitisation is both effective in reducing phobia symptoms and has enduring results.
How is systematic desensitisation suitable for a variety of patients?
Systematic desensitisation is suitable for a diverse range of patients. Unlike flooding or cognitive therapies, it is more accessible for those with anxiety disorders or learning difficulties, who may struggle with treatments requiring high levels of reflection or insight. By focusing on teaching relaxation techniques and gradual exposure, systematic desensitisation accommodates patients who might find other methods overwhelming. This makes it a more widely applicable treatment option.
What is one evaluation point for flooding?
Flooding is cost-effective. Studies, such as those by Ougrin (2011), have found flooding to be as effective as other treatments for specific phobias while being quicker. This reduces the time and expense associated with treatment, making it a practical choice for addressing phobias. The speed and efficiency of flooding mean that symptoms can often be alleviated more rapidly compared to alternative therapies, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.
What is a limitation of flooding?
A significant limitation of flooding is that it can be highly traumatic for patients. While the treatment is effective, its intensity can lead to high refusal and dropout rates. Patients must fully consent to the procedure, yet many are unwilling to endure the distress involved, leading to wasted time and resources. This ethical concern highlights that while flooding may work for some, it is not a suitable approach for everyone due to its emotionally demanding nature.
