Systematic Desensitization

Program: Systematic Desensitization, Imaginal Desensitization, In Vivo Desensitization

Program Targets: Anxiety

Description: Reducing anxiety of a particular stimuli by introducing the stimuli a little at a time and paring it with a relaxation technique. Imaginal is the standard absent another particular component. In vivo exposes the child to gradual real-life fear producing stimuli and combines that with relaxation techniques.

Design: Four controlled studies. Imaginal Desensitization was found more effective than no treatment in four between group designs and more effective than some other models (relaxation) but not others (live modeling). In Vivo desensitization was found more effective than no treatment control conditions; and in one study more effective than another treatment (imaginal desensitization).

Population: Imaginal Systematic Desensitization: 5-10; In Vivo Desensitization: 3-5

Source: Burns, Hoagwood, and Mrazek - Imaginal and In vivo; Ollendick and King -- probably efficacious; Compton et al.; Weisz et al.

From: http://www.nri-inc.org/reports_pubs/2006/EBPChildrensMatrix2006.pdf

 

 

Program: Exposure

Program Targets: Anxious and Avoidant

Description: Repeated exposure to the item or circumstance that causes fear for the purpose of reducing the avoidance. In vivo exposure uses real-life situations for the exposure exercises. Group or individual sessions, provided on a daily or weekly basis, in a clinic or school. Treatment duration is 1 day to 12 weeks.

Design: 12 RCTs with no-treatment control and five RCTs with other interventions. Effect size 2.02

Population: Male and Female, 3-17years

Materials & Assistance: Manual is available, Edna B. Foa, Ph.D., Director, Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Suite 600 North, Philadelphia , PA 19104,

Phone: (215) 746-3327, Fax: (215) 746-3311, Email: foa@mail.med.upenn.edu

Source: HI -- Level 1

From: http://www.nri-inc.org/reports_pubs/2006/EBPChildrensMatrix2006.pdf