1. Systematic Desensitisation- classical conditioning
Learning Approach
Systematic Desensitisation- classical conditioning

2. Systematic Desensitisation
Treatment of Phobias
Based on the principles of classical conditioning
Aim to extinguish an undesirable behaviour
Irrational fear (snake, spider)
Substitutes fear with response of relaxation
Reciprocal inhibition (you can’t have two emotions at the same time)

3. Treatment procedure Series of steps to achieve goal
Patient forming a list of fears or anxieties and rates them high and low
Hierarchy of fears
Patient taught to relax at each level (starting at low)
Progresses to next fear only after mastering the first
Treatment is very successful with specific object phobias NOT with social phobias

4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Most ethical treatment
Based on clear theoretical explanation of behaviour
Lots of evidence to support the success of this therapy Capafons (1998) reduced fear of flying
There are other factors involved with phobias like operant conditioning
It is good for phobia’s but not other mental health issues
Patient must learn to relax and not everyone can do this
Strengths
Weaknesses

5. Assessment
Create a poster using the information given on Phobia’s, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and Panic Attacks
Define each disorder and outline the possible causes and treatment using what you have learned in Chapter 5 the Learning Approach