Systematic desensitization

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

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

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

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

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Exposure Therapy
• Fear Conditioning
• Joseph Wolpe