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Systematic Desensitisation (Tends to be acceptable to patients (Patients…
Systematic Desensitisation
Effective
Gilroy et al. (2003) followed 42 patients who had SD for arachnophobia - 3, 45-minute sessions
3 and 33 months, SD group less fearful than control group (treated by relaxation without exposure)
Shows SD is helpful in reducing anxiety for arachnophobias
Effects of treatment are long lasting.
Suitable for diverse range of patients
Alternative methods such as flooding and cognitive therapies aren't well suited to some patients.
e.g. learning difficulties can make it hard to understand what's happening during flooding
For patients with difficulties understanding, concentrating or relaxing, SD is probably most appropriate treatment.
Tends to be acceptable to patients
Patients prefer it - those given choice will often choose SD
Doesn't cause same degree of trauma as flooding
Includes some elements that are pleasant - e.g. time talking with therapist.
Low refusal rates - patients refusing to start treatment
Low attrition rates - patients dropping out of treatment
Flooding
Less effective for some type of phobias
Highly effective for treating simple phobias
Less effective for complex phobias - social phobias
Phobias have cognitive aspects - thinks unpleasant thoughts about situation.
Benefit more from cognitive therapies - tackle irrational thinking.
Traumatic for patients
Highly traumatic experience - most serious issue
Not unethical (patients give consent)
Often unwilling to see it through to the end
Treatment not effective
Time and money wasted on preparing patients for them refuse to start or not complete treatment.