What Psychological Approaches are Used to Treat Phobias?
The treatment of choice for specific phobias is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It focuses on slowly and safely exposing a person to the feared situation or stimulus. This is called an exposure-based treatment, which involves repeated approaching of the fear-provoking situation or object until it no longer produces a strong fear reaction. Many studies have shown that exposure-based CBT is highly effective for the treatment of specific phobias. In fact, specific phobias are considered to be the most treatable of the anxiety disorders. Significant improvement or full recovery can occur in as little as two to three sessions of guided exposure. This form of treatment has been used for adults, adolescents, and children. CBT has been found to be effective when administered in a self-help book format as well. Generally, medications are not considered effective for the treatment of specific phobias. However, it is not uncommon for individuals with phobias to be prescribed low dosages of benz
The treatment of choice for specific phobias is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It focuses on slowly and safely exposing a person to the feared situation or stimulus. This is called an exposure-based treatment, which involves repeated approaching of the fear-provoking situation or object until it no longer produces a strong fear reaction. Many studies have shown that exposure-based CBT is highly effective for the treatment of specific phobias. In fact, specific phobias are considered to be the most treatable of the anxiety disorders. Significant improvement or full recovery can occur in as little as two to three sessions of guided exposure. This form of treatment has been used for adults, adolescents, and children. CBT has been found to be effective when administered in a self-help book format as well. Generally, medications are not considered effective for the treatment of specific phobias. However, it is not uncommon for individuals with phobias to be prescribed low dosages of benz
