treatments for phobias: systematic desensitisation

Question 1

what is systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

• treatment for phobias
• based on learning to relax instead of fear
• uses idea of reciprocal inhibition

Question 2

what is reciprocal inhibition

Answer 2

• you can’t be anxious and relaxed at the same time

Question 3

how does systematic desensitisation work

Answer 3

• client and therapist set a goal
• client learns to relax
• slowly exposed to phobic object
• fear is unlearned (desensitised) over time

Question 4

what are the four key processes of systematic desensitisation

Answer 4

functional analysis
develop an anxiety hierarchy
relaxation training
gradual exposure

Question 5

what is functional analysis in systematic desensitisation

Answer 5

• conversation between therapist and client
• identifies anxiety nature and triggers

Question 6

what is developing an anxiety hierarchy

Answer 6

• therapist and client create a list of fears
• starts from least anxiety-provoking to most
• client has input on speed and stages

Question 7

what is relaxation training in systematic desensitisation

Answer 7

• client learns to relax in ways that suit them
• example: deep breathing or visualisation

Question 8

what is gradual exposure in systematic desensitisation

Answer 8

• phobic object slowly introduced
• follows the anxiety hierarchy
• therapist works at the client’s pace

Question 9

how effective is systematic desensitisation

Answer 9

• most studies show it works better than no treatment
• McGrath et al. (1990) found 75% of people with phobias improve

Question 10

what are the advantages of systematic desensitisation

Answer 10

• requires less time and effort than other therapies
• can be done through computer simulations
• no significant ethical issues

Question 11

why is systematic desensitisation considered ethical

Answer 11

• no exposure to high anxiety situations
• uses techniques like the fear hierarchy and relaxation

Question 12

what are the limitations of systematic desensitisation

Answer 12

• can only treat certain anxiety disorders
• less effective for phobias with deep survival roots

Question 13

why is systematic desensitisation not suitable for general anxiety disorder

Answer 13

• GAD involves vague worries about many situations
• objects or situations need to be clearly identifiable

Question 14

why is systematic desensitisation less effective for survival-based phobias

Answer 14

• phobias like fear of the dark or dangerous animals may have survival value
• these fears are deep-rooted in our evolutionary past