Anxiety, fear, and stress are the most common issues among human beings globally. In the United States, 19% of adults are affected by anxiety disorders. Systematic Desensitization and Exposure Therapy are some of the well-known treatments for such issues. Although both therapies help people conquer their fear and anxiety, both therapies work in different ways. The knowledge about the Difference Between Systematic Desensitization and Exposure Therapy helps people decide on the correct therapy.
These therapies have also been widely practiced and proven useful to many people. We will now break down each one to understand what it is all about, its mode of application, and their differences from each other. In this way, you would understand which of these can better fit you.
Main Difference Between Systematic Desensitization and Exposure Therapy
Systematic Desensitization deals with concepts of relaxation and gradual exposure.
Exposure Therapy directly confronts by using the situation that is feared.
Systematic Desensitization uses gradual exposure to the least feared situations.
Exposure Therapy applies immediate or strong exposure to the fear.
Systematic Desensitization requires more time as it is done slowly.
Exposure Therapy is faster since it is the direct exposure of the fear.
Systematic Desensitization is excellent for anxious persons since it gradually goes at a slow pace.
Exposure Therapy is ideal for people who can handle facing their fears head-on.
Systematic Desensitization makes use of relaxation techniques to help the individual control their anxiety.
Systematic Desensitization Vs. Exposure Therapy
What is Systematic Desensitization Therapy?
Systematic Desensitization is a form of therapy which is used to help people overcome fear and anxiety. It was actually developed by a psychologist named Joseph Wolpe back in the 1950s. This particular therapy works when it combines relaxation and gradual exposure to what the individual fears. First, a person learns how to relax deeply. Then, they write down the list of situations in which they have fear, from the least scary situation to the worst. Finally, the person comes across each of these situations in turn while maintaining relaxation to control their fear response.
This study shows that such a technique can be effective in the treatment of phobias such as acrophobia and arachnophobia. Researchers have established that Systematic Desensitization is effective in the treatment of specific fears.
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Indeed, several studies have shown that 70-90% of the people suffering from phobias report a significant improvement after the therapy. However it takes time for the process to give results because the process is slow and steady. This is a wonderful therapy for anyone with extreme fears or wanting control over anxiety, one step at a time. Systematic Desensitization is a type of exposure used in many forms of treatments that combine exposure, such as CBT, for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Since it makes use of relaxation and exposure in conjunction, this therapy will be helpful for individuals in managing their reduced feelings of fear in the course of time.
What is Exposure Therapy?
Exposure Therapy is a treatment that helps people face their fears directly. Unlike Systematic Desensitization, this therapy focuses on confronting the fear without using relaxation techniques. The goal is to reduce fear by repeatedly facing the feared situation. A person either has no choice but to face the fear in real life or imagine it at any given moment.
Exposure Therapy is very helpful for people with PTSD, panic attacks, or social anxiety because about 85-90% of patients will get better after treatment through Exposure Therapy. In Exposure Therapy, the therapist ensures the person faces the fear in a safe and controlled situation.
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The exposure may begin with very small dosages and gradually increase over time. For example, a person afraid of flying might start by looking at pictures of airplanes. Then they could go to the airport. Ultimately, they could take an even shorter flight. The idea presented here is that by confronting the fear, one reduces the accompanying anxiety. While Systematic Desensitization typically requires so much more time, Exposure Therapy often leads to a more rapid reduction of symptoms. However, it’s intense and, therefore, suitable only for those who think they can deal with their fear.
Exposure Therapy will gradually let people become desensitized to their fear and, hence, comfortable with the topic over time.
Comparison Table “Systematic Desensitization Vs. Exposure Therapy”
| Approach | Gradual exposure to relaxation techniques | Direct confrontation with the feared stimulus |
| Relaxation | Focuses on teaching relaxation strategies | Does not use relaxation techniques |
| Pacing | Slow and step-by-step | Can be quicker and more intense |
| Best for | Severe anxiety, specific phobias | PTSD, panic attacks, social anxiety |
| Exposure Type | Controlled, gradual exposure | Immediate or intense exposure |
| Suitability for Children | Often used with children | Less suitable for children without emotional readiness |
Difference Between Systematic Desensitization and Exposure Therapy in Detail
Get to know the Difference Between Systematic Desensitization Vs. Exposure Therapy in Detail.
Method of Exposure
Systematic Desensitization is a slow process that combines relaxation with progressive exposure. A person is slowly introduced to their fear. Exposure Therapy is more direct and often involves facing the fear immediately. The exposure may be in real life or imagined, but the concern would be the focus on dealing with the fear immediately.
Relaxation Techniques
In Systematic Desensitization, relaxation skills such as deep breathing are provided to the individual in order to manage anxiety. This skill is employed when the feared object is presented before him. Exposure Therapy does not work on the concept of relaxation. It mainly works on exposure to the situation which causes fear, helping him learn how to cope with anxiety without needing to relax.
Duration and Pace
Systematic Desensitization is time-consuming since it is a step-by-step process. The individuals move step by step from the less dreadful situation. Exposure Therapy takes fewer hours usually because it focuses on direct exposure to the dreaded condition. It might be faster in this sense because it directly engages the person with his fear.
Suitability for Anxiety Levels
Systematic Desensitization is the best for individuals with high levels of anxiety since it is slow-paced. It is very suitable for people who require time to get accustomed to their fears. Exposure Therapy is more suitable for people who can face their fear head-on. It is faster but might be too intense for a person with very high anxiety.
Effectiveness for Different Disorders
Sometimes systematic desensitization is effective when it relates to specific fears, such as animals or environments. There is evidence in documented cases that clearly shows the exposure technique’s success in treating a client diagnosed with acrophobia or speech anxiety. Exposure Therapy has emerged as a suitable one for more serious issues, including posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorders, or social phobias, which are reactive because exposure therapy addresses the origin of the fear directly.
Settings for Exposure
Systematic Desensitization is usually performed in a safe setting. The patient faces situations step by step in a therapist’s office. Exposure Therapy demands that the patient confront their fear more frequently in real-life situations. This makes them become gradually less fearful as they try to handle life with all the seriousness of facing up to their fear.
Role of Therapist
In both therapies, a therapist is also very important. In the case of Systematic Desensitization, the role of the therapist should be teaching the client to relax and ensuring a calm and safe ambiance during treatments. In Exposure Therapy, the therapist assists the client in facing his fear. They help to guide the person through every step and provide coping strategies.
Key Difference Between Systematic Desensitization and Exposure Therapy
Here are the key points showing the Difference Between Systematic Desensitization Vs. Exposure Therapy.
- Patient Control
In Systematic Desensitization, the therapist controls the pace of exposure. In Exposure Therapy, the person may have more control over when and how the exposure happens. - Emotional Intensity
Exposure Therapy can be more emotionally intense, as it involves facing fear directly. Systematic Desensitization is less intense as it gradually builds up to more challenging situations. - Treatment Goals
The goal of Systematic Desensitization is to reduce fear by combining relaxation with gradual exposure. The goal of Exposure Therapy is to reduce fear by directly confronting the anxiety-provoking situation. - Use in PTSD
Exposure Therapy is often used to treat PTSD, as it directly targets traumatic memories. Systematic Desensitization is not typically used for PTSD. - Combination with Other Therapies
Both therapies can be combined with other treatments, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to create a more complete approach. - Suitability for Children
Systematic Desensitization is often used with children, as it is slow and controlled. Exposure Therapy is less suitable for children without emotional readiness. - Real-World Application
Exposure Therapy involves real-life situations, which helps people deal with fear in everyday settings. Systematic Desensitization is typically done in a controlled environment, like a therapist’s office. - Avoidance Behavior
Exposure Therapy targets avoidance behavior by encouraging people to face their fears. Systematic Desensitization reduces avoidance by gradually helping people feel less anxious about their fears. - Support During Exposure
In Systematic Desensitization, the therapist provides support mainly through relaxation techniques. In Exposure Therapy, the therapist supports the person during direct exposure to the feared situation. - Therapeutic Relationship
Both therapies require a strong relationship between the therapist and the person. In Exposure Therapy, the therapist is more actively involved in guiding the person through the exposure. In Systematic Desensitization, the therapist helps the person learn how to manage anxiety. - Speed of Results
Exposure Therapy often produces faster results because it involves facing the fear more directly. Systematic Desensitization takes longer due to its gradual approach.
FAQs: Systematic Desensitization Vs. Exposure Therapy
Conclusion:
There is a great Difference Between Systematic Desensitization and Exposure Therapy. They are indeed crucial therapies in fighting fear and anxiety. They differ in techniques but provide solutions that lower anxiety and enhance mental wellness generally. Systematic desensitization is slower in pace and includes the use of relaxation skills. It is very helpful for individuals who are prone to high fears or anxieties. Exposure therapy is faster with a direct confronting approach to the fear and is very effective among those persons prepared to confront fear.
The choice of one as opposed to the other depends on need, level of anxiety, or what the patient is comfortable with. By the use of the proper therapy, one can start to feel better and find enhancement in quality of life.
