TREATMENTS

Question 1

What is CBT? (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

Answer 1

a talking therapy that aims to identify and challenge the client’s irrational thoughts through encouraging them to answer socratic questions

Question 2

OST and Westling’s study (CBT)

Answer 2

Comparing effectiveness of CBT with applied relaxation in individuals with a panic disorder

Question 3

Strengths of CBT (Cognitive treatment)

Answer 3

• Free will: individuals have own control of their thought process - enable them to challenge and change
• Usefulness: Encourages independence —> can be applied to real life situations

Question 4

Limitations of CBT

Answer 4

• Not suitable for all patients: highly severe/ children –> need high cognitive functioning to be able to answer questions properly, and constant self monitoring
• Data collection method: self report - increase risk of researcher bias + subjectivity –> reduces internal validity of results

Question 5

What is systematic desensitization? (behavioural treatment)

Answer 5

A behavioural (learning) therapy where the client is gradually exposed to their anxiety-inducing objects based on their fear hierarchy while engaging in a relaxation technique (PMR)

Question 6

Systematic desensitisation process

Answer 6

1. Creating fear hierarchy, ranked using SUDS (distress levels)
2. Clients are taught deep relaxation techniques (PMR)
3. Invivo (gradual) or simulated exposure (invitro)

Question 7

Strengths of systematic desensitization

Answer 7

• Nurture approach: (cognitive explanation) phobia is learnt through experiences in the environment –> can be unlearnt through learning more adaptive behaviours
• Usefulness: can be applied to different individuals (Children - Saveedra + Silvermann)

Question 8

Limitations of systematic desensitization

Answer 8

• Reductionist: only focusing on current observable behaviours –> difficult to address other factors that may help with treatment
• Ethical considerations: exposure may increase temporary distress - counterproductive to treating/managing the phobia

Question 9

What is applied tension (AT - Biological)

Answer 9

→ Strategy used to help prevent fainting / help people to recover faster from fainting

• Tensing whole body to increase blood pressure –> increase blood flow to brain
• Vasovagal syncope: biological response when our body overreacts to triggers

Question 10

Ost and Westling Study (AT)

Answer 10

→ compared effectiveness of applied tension (AT) with applied relaxation (AR)

• 30 patients with blood injury phobia - have not received treatment
• 19 females 11 males from same mental hospital , different occupational backgrounds

Question 11

Strengths of AT

Answer 11

• Real life application: can encourage independence –> techniques can be applied anytime
• Usefulness: long term effectiveness in comparison to other treatments + shorter treatment time