The Current Status of Systematic Densitization
JOSEPH WOLPE M.D.1,
JOHN PAUL BRADY M.D.2,
MICHAEL SERBER M.D.3,
W. STEWART AGRAS M.D.4, , and
ROBERT PAUL LIBERMAN M.D.5
1 Professor of Psychiatry, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa.
2 Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa.
3 Clinical Director, Atascadero State Hospital, Atascadero, Calif.
4 Professor and Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson, Miss.
5 Research Psychiatrist, Camarillo-Neuropsychiatric Institute Research Program, Camarillo State Hospital, Box A, Camarillo, Calif. 93010
Systematic desensitization is indicated for phobias, obsessions, compulsions, and anxiety reactions that are maintained by anxiety-reducing defense mechanisms. The technique involves instruction in deep muscle relaxation, construction of an anxiety hierarchy, and stepwise pairing of relaxation with imagined anxiety-provoking scenes. The basic principle is that relaxation is incompatible with anxiety. Relaxation can be induced by direct instruction, drugs, carbon dioxide, hypnosis, positive imagery, and a metronome-conditioned method. More than 100 outcome studies indicate that systematic desensitization produces significantly better results than a variety of comparison therapies.
