Question

Geetha has an intensive irrational fear of lizards. During the therapy session, the therapist repeatedly exposes her to the object or situation that causes fear in her. Identify the disorder that Geetha is suffering from. Briefly explain the therapeutic technique used by the therapist.

Answer 1

Geetha is suffering from a specific phobia.

Specific phobias: There is the most commonly occurring type of phobia. It is a kind of anxiety disorder. This includes irrational fears such as intense fear of a certain type of animal or being in an enclosed space (Claustrophobia), water (Hydrophobia).

Here the therapist is using Flooding Therapy. It is a behavioural therapy technique wherein the patient learns to associate feelings of relaxation with the fear-inducing stimulus. The patient is exposed directly and rather abruptly to the fear-inducing stimuli while at the same time employing relaxation techniques designed to lower levels of anxiety.