Evaluation and Effectiveness of Systematic Desensitisation

The effectiveness of systematic desensitisation varies depending on the type and origin of the phobia being treated. Research supports its efficacy for specific learned phobias while highlighting limitations for certain types of fears.

Quote: "Systematic Desensitisation is successful when the phobia is learnt and specific (eg. fear of dogs after dog bite)."

Highlight: Research by Capafons (1998) demonstrated reduced psychological fear indicators after 12-25 weeks of treatment.

The therapy faces several limitations:

• Less effective for generalized fears like agoraphobia
• May not work for evolutionary-based "ancient fears"
• Risk of symptom substitution when underlying issues aren't addressed

Definition: Symptom substitution occurs when treating a phobia leads to the emergence of different symptoms because the root cause wasn't addressed.

Example: A person might overcome their fear of snakes through systematic desensitisation but develop a new phobia if the underlying anxiety disorder isn't treated.

The ethical considerations of systematic desensitisation are generally positive, as it prioritizes patient comfort and control. However, valid consent and patient health status must be carefully considered before beginning treatment.

The Process and Forms of Systematic Desensitisation

Systematic desensitisation therapy follows a carefully structured five-step process that begins with teaching relaxation techniques and progresses through graduated exposure. The therapy utilizes principles of both classical and operant conditioning to modify behavior and help patients overcome their fears.

Definition: Systematic desensitisation is a therapeutic approach that helps counter-condition phobias by replacing anxiety responses with relaxation responses.

Highlight: The therapy is based on the principle that relaxation is incompatible with anxiety, making it impossible to be both relaxed and anxious simultaneously.

The process involves five key steps:

1. Learning relaxation techniques
2. Creating a desensitisation hierarchy
3. Working through the hierarchy while maintaining relaxation
4. Progressing to next steps when ready
5. Learning new responses to feared stimuli

Vocabulary: Vivo desensitisation refers to confronting fears directly with the actual feared stimulus present, while vitro desensitisation involves imagining the feared stimulus.

Example: A patient might start with simple relaxation exercises before gradually working up to more challenging situations in their hierarchy of fears.