The behavioural approach to treating phobias Flashcards

1
Q

What are the two therapies that look to treat phobias?

A

Systematic desensitisation and flooding.

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2
Q

State and define the process involved in both methods of treating phobias.

A

Counterconditioning: fear response is replaced by a relaxation response (classical conditioning).

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3
Q

What is the first step in systematic desensitisation?

A

Teach the patient relaxation techniques. For example, breathing slowly, being mindful and visualising a peaceful setting. Or progressive muscle relaxation.

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4
Q

What is the second step in systematic desensitisation?

A

Desensitisation hierarchy. Patient gradually exposed to different degrees of the stimulus. E.g. picture of spider, spider from distance, fat massive scary spider on face!

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5
Q

What is the process involved in flooding?

A

Taught relaxation techniques as in SD. Patient immediately exposed to worst (within reason) form of phobia for an extended period of time. Continues into anxiety has disappeared.

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6
Q

What two categories of flooding are there?

A

In vivo - real life
Virtual reality - simulated

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7
Q

What is the rationale behind flooding?

A

Fear response has a time limit. Adrenaline levels will naturally decrease. New stimulus response is learned (non-anxious).

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8
Q

(AO3) What is the effectiveness of SD?

A

Research ~ 75%. In vivo more successful. Virtual reality and modelling a non-fearful response can also be effective. Suggests value of funding etc. and a number of different exposure techniques may be best.

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9
Q

(AO3) What is the main weakness of SD?

A

Not effective for all phobias. Good for phobias learned from personal experience, not for evolutionary phobias e.g. heights. Counterconditioning only good for conditioned phobias. More research needed for other treatments.

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10
Q

(AO3) What is the strength of flooding?

A

Research suggests it is ~ same effectiveness as SD. Only works if patient does wait until fear response is reduced. Very cost and time effective.

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11
Q

(AO3) Why are individual differences a key weakness of flooding?

A

Different fear responses for different people and phobias. Can be a traumatic procedure - quit halfway through and reduce effectiveness. May make phobia worse.

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