Psychological Therapies

Question 1

Describe how exposure therapy works.

Answer 1

Treat phobias through exposure to the feared CS (e.g. car) in theabsence of the UCS (e.g. accident)
Response prevention is used to keep the operant avoidant response from occurring
This is highly effective at reducing anxiety states

Question 2

Why is exposure therapy controversial?

Answer 2

It causes intense temporary anxiety

Question 3

Describe the basis in learning theory of exposure therapy.

Answer 3

It is influenced by both classic and operant conditioning approaches

Question 4

Draw the cognitive model of panic disorder.

Answer 4

Cognitive model of panic disorder

Question 5

Outline how cognitive therapy works.

Answer 5

Cognitive therapy diagram

Question 6

Compare the effectiveness of CBT with the effectiveness of anti-depressants.

Answer 6

CBT has a much lower rate of relapse than anti-depressants

Question 7

What conditions are psychological therapies recommended for in the NICE guidelines?

Answer 7

Depression 
Social anxiety 
Generalised anxiety disorder  
PTSD 
OCD 
Bulimia 
Panic disorder and specific phobia  
Schizophrenia