Psychopthaology - Bhevioural Treatments Flashcards
What is systematic desensitisation
S.d is a behavioural therapy designed to gradually reduce phobic anxiety though classical conditioning
If suffer can learn to relax in the presence of phobic stimulus they will be cured.
New response is learned by pairing with relaxation - counter conditioning
What theory does S.D work through
Reciprocal inhibition
What is reciprocal inhibition
You cant be physical logically scared and relaxed at the same time
Outline the 3 stages of systematic desensitisation
- anxiety hierarchy - list of provoking situations ranked for how much anxiety they produce
- relaxation - meditation techniques , medication
- exposure - gradual exposure to phobic stimulus at each stage of hierarchy -maintaining relaxation
What is flooding
Involves exposing phobic patients to their phobic stimulus but without build up
Immediate exposure to very frightening situation
Without the option of avoidance the patient learns the stimulus isn’t harmful
Flooding works through extinctions explain what this means
Fear disappears when conditioned stimulus is encountered for a long time without unconditioned stimulus
Until conditioned response of fear not produced
Is flooding ethical
Yes it is but patients must give informed consent to and be prepared for flooding
What is a strength of systematic desensitisation
Research to support
There is research that supports S.D in treatment
Eg gilroy et al
Followed 42 participants treated for spider phobia
In 3 45 minute sessions of SD
Phobia then assessed using questionnaire and then assessing response to spider
Control group treated by relaxation without exposure
After both 3 months or 33 months treatment the S.D group was less fearful than relaxation group
S.D IS helpful in reducing anxiety - effects long lasting
What is another strength of S.D (acceptable to patients)
Patients prefer it
If given choice
Patients pick S.D
Doesn’t cause large amounts of trauma like flooding
S.d Involves pleasant relaxation methods
Low attrition rates
Successful for patients
What is a strength of flooding (cost effective)
Cost effective and not completely purposeless
Studies comparing flooding to cog therapies have found flooding highly effective
Quicker than alternatives
Free of their symptoms as soon as possible
What is another limitation of flooding
Complex phobias
Not effective in treating complex phobia
Eg social phobia
Has cog aspects
Unpleasant thoughts about social experience rather than anxiety response
Not benefit from flooding , flooding doesn’t tackle irrational thinking
What is another limitation of flooding (traumatic)
Highly traumatic Ethical as patients give consent Patients unwilling to see through end Time and money wasted preparing patients Dont complete treatment
