PSYCHOPATHOLOGY: Behavioural Therapy

Question 1

What is systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

• A behavioural therapy designed to gradually reduce phobic anxiety through the principle of classical conditioning
• If the client can learn to relax in the presence of the phobic stimulus they will be cured
• A new response is learnt - this is counterconditioning

Question 2

What is behavioural therapy for phobias

Answer 2

Systematic desensitisation
flooding

Question 3

What does systemic desensitisation aim to do

Answer 3

This therapy aims to extinguish an undesirable behaviour by replacing it with a more desirable one

Question 4

What is the logic behind systemic desensitisation

Answer 4

• We cannot feel fear & relaxed at the same time. This is called reciprocal inhibition

Question 5

3 steps

How does systemic desensitisation work

Answer 5

(Step by step approach)
1. The client works out a hierarchy of fear (if its dog, start w fur, paw, mouth, then dog itself) from the least frightening to the most frightening (functional analysis
2. The client learns relaxation techniques (meditation, music, etc)
3. The client is exposed to the phobic stimulus, while in a relaxed state. Start at the bottom of the hierarchy & work through to highest

Question 6

Evaluations of systemic desensitisation: effectiveness

Answer 6

It is effective in reducing phobic behaviour
- Gilroy et al (2003) - 42 patients treated for spider phobia in three 45min sessions, compared to control group who were treated by relaxation w/o exposure
- At 3 months & 33 months, the treatment group were less fearful than the relaxation group

Question 7

Evaluations of systemic desensitisation: diverse

Answer 7

It is suitable for a diverse range if phobias
- Some ppl w anxiety disorders, also have learning disabilities
- It can be difficult for ppl to understand other therapies sa flooding or CBT that require the ability to reflect on what you are thinking
- Systematic desensitisation is the most appropriate therapy

Question 8

Evaluations of systemic desensitisation: acceptable

Answer 8

It is acceptable to patients
- Patients prefer systematic desensitisation as it is not as traumatic as flooding (exposure therapy). It also includes some elements which are pleasant - relaxation
- Reflected in low refusal rates & low attrition rates (high attainment rate, ppl dont drop out as much as flooding)

Question 9

What is flooding

Answer 9

Exposure therapy - 4