Treatments for Phobias

Question 1

How?

Answer 1

To extinguish them we need to be exposed to the stimulus as avoidance leads to maintenance
- flooding
- systematic desensitisation

Question 2

Flooding

Answer 2

• immediate full exposure to feared stimulus
• pt prepared but no build up
• may be more than once
  -> if pt can be around phobic stimulus (CS) and understand no negative outcome (CR) -> extinguished behaviour

Question 3

Flooding + AO3

Answer 3

Quick + cost effective

Question 4

Flooding - AO3

Answer 4

• only works for simple phobias (non-cognitive phobias)
• high stress so many drop out before exposure

Question 5

Systematic Desensitisation

Answer 5

Classical conditioning, counterconditioning
- pt learns to replace fear (CR) with relaxation through repeated pairing with stimulus + relaxation technique
1. learn reaxation technique
2. construct fear hierarchy
3. exposure

Reciprocal inhibition - not possible to be afraid and relaxed at the same time so one emotion prevents the other

Question 6

SD + AO3

Answer 6

• lasts up to 3-33 mths later
• effective (Gilroy et al) pt treated w/ 3x45min sessions = less spider phobia than control just given relaxation