Understanding Exposure Therapy in Specific Phobias

Hard Unit 12: Abnormal Behavior Anxiety Disorders

In the context of anxiety disorders, individuals often experience excessive fear or worry that disrupts their daily functioning. These disorders can manifest in various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and phobias. Consider the following scenario:

A patient has been diagnosed with specific phobia, leading to intense fear and avoidance of certain objects or situations. During cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions, the therapist introduces exposure therapy as a treatment approach.

Based on your understanding of anxiety disorders and treatment methodologies, which of the following statements most accurately reflects the rationale behind the use of exposure therapy in treating specific phobias?

Exposure therapy helps patients confront their fears gradually, leading to desensitization and reduced anxiety.

Exposure therapy is primarily focused on medication management to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Exposure therapy aims to teach patients relaxation techniques to avoid situations that trigger anxiety.

Exposure therapy uses aversive conditioning to associate feared stimuli with negative outcomes.

Exposure therapy involves exploring the cognitive distortions associated with a patient's fears.

Hint

Submitted10.9K

Correct7.7K

% Correct71%