Treating Phobias

Question 1

What idea does systematic desensitisation use?

Answer 1

Reciprocal inhibition which simply means that it is impossible to hold two opposite emotions at the same time

Question 2

What is systematic desensitisation?

Answer 2

The idea that is behaviour can be learned then it can be unlearned and replaced with a more adaptive behaviour

Question 3

What are the 3 steps of systematic desensitisation?

Answer 3

1. Training the client to relax
2. Constructing a hierarchy of fear
3. Gradual exposure

Question 4

What happens in the relaxation step?

Answer 4

The therapist teaches the client relaxation techniques for example, breathing, muscle control and possibly medication

Question 5

What is the heirarchy of fear?

Answer 5

Coming up with a range of situations in which the client might feel anxious and then arranging them in order form least to most fearful

Question 6

What is gradual exposure?

Answer 6

Client presented the the fear situation, they are encouraged to relax in the presence of the stimulus until the anxiety reduces

Question 7

How long does systematic desensitisation usually take?

Answer 7

6-8 sessions but intense phobias might require more

Question 8

What is flooding?

Answer 8

Puts a client through a massive exposure of the phobia immediately with no opportunity to escape

Question 9

What is the idea of of flooding?

Answer 9

To flood the client with anxiety in order to make them realise that their anxiety has a limit and will eventually come down

Question 10

What are 3 evaluation points for systematic desensitisation?

Answer 10

• Effective for a particular phobia, less effective with social phobias
• Suitable for diverse range of patients
• Need motivation and takes long time

Question 11

What are 3 evaluation points for flooding?

Answer 11

• Cheaper and quicker
• Less effective for social phobias
• Traumatic (high levels of fear)