Alzheimer’s Delirium and Dementia Q 52
A client with a phobic disorder is treated by systematic desensitization. The nurse understands that this approach will do which of the following?
A. Help the client execute actions that are feared.
B. Help the client develop insight into irrational fears.
C. Help the client substitutes one fear for another.
D. Help the client decrease anxiety.
Correct Answer: A. Help the client execute actions that are feared
Systematic desensitization is a behavioral therapy technique that helps clients with irrational fears and avoidance behavior to face the thing they fear, without experiencing anxiety. This therapy aims to remove the fear response of a phobia and substitute a relaxation response to the conditional stimulus gradually using counter conditioning. The number of sessions required depends on the severity of the phobia. Usually, 4-6 sessions, up to 12 for a severe phobia. The therapy is complete once the agreed therapeutic goals are met (not necessarily when the person’s fears have been completely removed).
Option B: Systematic desensitization is a slow process, taking on average 6-8 sessions. Although, research suggests that the longer the technique takes the more effective it is. The progressive structure of systematic desensitization allows the patient to control the steps he/she must make until fear is overcome. This absence of disturbing elements makes this technique less likely to provoke abandonment of the therapy.
Option C: There is no attempt to promote insight with this procedure, and the client will not be taught to substitute one fear for another. Systematic desensitization is highly effective where the problem is a learned anxiety of specific objects/situations, e.g. phobias (McGrath et al., 1990). However, systematic desensitization is not effective in treating serious mental disorders like depression and schizophrenia.
Option D: Although the client’s anxiety may decrease with successful confrontation of irrational fears, the purpose of the procedure is specifically related to performing activities that typically are avoided as part of the phobic response. Systematic desensitization is based on the idea that abnormal behavior is learned. The biological approach would disagree and say we are born with a behavior and therefore it must be treated medically.