Systematic desensitization
Systematic Desensitization
Systematic desensitization (pronunciation: sis-tuh-mat-ik dee-sen-si-tuh-zay-shuhn) is a type of behavioral therapy used to help effectively overcome phobias and other anxiety disorders.
Etymology
The term originates from the words 'systematic' meaning done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical, and 'desensitization' which refers to the diminished emotional responsiveness to a negative or aversive stimulus after repeated exposure to it.
Definition
Systematic desensitization is a process that involves teaching the patient to replace feelings of anxiety with relaxation. It is often used to treat phobias. The process involves three steps:
- Identification of an anxiety inducing hierarchy: The patient and therapist identify particular scenarios that create anxiety and rank them in order of severity.
- Learning relaxation or coping techniques: The patient is taught relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or muscle relaxation.
- Connecting the anxiety inducing situations with relaxation: The patient uses the relaxation techniques they have learned to cope with the anxiety inducing situations identified in step one.
Related Terms
See Also
- Joseph Wolpe: The South African psychiatrist who developed systematic desensitization.
References
- Wolpe, J. (1958). Psychotherapy by reciprocal inhibition. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Systematic desensitization
- Wikipedia's article - Systematic desensitization
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski