systematic desensitisation

Question 1

systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

behavioural therapy designed to gradually reduce phobic anxiety through principle of classical conditioning
- learn to relax in presence of phobic stimulus, cured

counterconditioning- new response to phobic stimulus learned (phobic stimulus paired with relaxation not anxiety)

reciprocal inhibition- impossible to be afraid and relaxed at same time. one emotion prevents other.

Question 2

SD 1. anxiety hierarchy

Answer 2

• P and T list of situations related to PS that provoke anxiety
• ordered from least to most frightening

e.g. arachnophobic picture of small spider low, holding tarantula top

Question 3

SD 2. relaxation

Answer 3

• relaxation techniques so relax as deeply as possible
• breathing exercises
• mental imagery (imagine themselves in relaxing situation)
• meditation
• drugs e.g. valium

Question 4

SD 3. exposure

Answer 4

• exposed to phobic stimulus while in relaxed state
• across several sessions, starting at bottom of AH
• when relaxed in lower levels move up
• treatment successful when relaxed in high situations

Question 5

research support- effective

Answer 5

gilroy (2003)- followed up 42 treated for arachnophobia in 3 45 min SD sessions.

• arachnophobia assessed on several measures incl spider questionnaire and assessing response to spider
• control group treated by releaxation without exposure
• 3 months and 33 months after treatment SD group less fearful than relaxation

SD helpful in reducing anxiety in at least some phobias. long-lasting effects.

Question 6

advantage- suitable for many

Answer 6

• alts e.g. flooding and cog therapies not well suited to some.
• some sufferers of anxiety disorders (phobias) have learning difficulties.
• hard to understand flooding or engage with cog therapies that require reflection on thoughts.
• SD most appropriate

more suitable than alternatives for a wider range of patients. improve qol

Question 7

positive aspect

Answer 7

• acceptable to patients. prefer it.
• doesn’t cause same degree of trauma as flooding.
• includes elements like relaxation procedures that are pleasant
• low refusal rates and low attrition rates
• more likely to work and therefore cost and time effective for NHS. also can improve QoL without harm