Systematic desensitization

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Systematic Desensitization is a type of behavioral therapy that is primarily used to help individuals overcome phobias and other anxiety disorders. It was developed by South African psychiatrist, Joseph Wolpe.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Systematic desensitization is based on the principles of classical conditioning and involves three main stages: relaxation training, construction of an anxiety hierarchy, and pairing relaxation with exposure to the feared situation or object.

Process[edit | edit source]

The process of systematic desensitization involves the following steps:

  1. Relaxation Training: The individual is taught relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation.
  2. Construction of an Anxiety Hierarchy: The individual and the therapist work together to create a list of situations that provoke anxiety, arranged in order from least to most anxiety-provoking.
  3. Pairing Relaxation with Exposure: The individual is gradually exposed to the anxiety-provoking situations while practicing the relaxation techniques.

Effectiveness[edit | edit source]

Research has shown that systematic desensitization can be an effective treatment for a variety of anxiety disorders, including specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. However, it may not be as effective for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Systematic desensitization Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD