Application of a biopsychosocial approach, as a scientific model, to explain specific phobia
Study design dot points:
- the distinctions between stress, phobia and anxiety; variation for individuals with stress, phobia and anxiety on a mental health continuum
- the relative influences of contributing factors to the development of specific phobia with reference to: gammaamino butyric acid (GABA) dysfunction, the role of stress response and long-term potentiation (biological)
- behavioural models involving precipitation by classical conditioning and perpetuation by operant conditioning,(psychological)
- cognitive bias including memory bias and catastrophic thinking (psychological); specific environmental triggers and stigma around seeking treatment (social)
- evidence-based interventions and their use for specific phobia with reference to: the use of short-acting anti-anxiety benzodiazepine agents (gamma-amino butyric acid [GABA] agonists) in the management of phobic anxiety and relaxation techniques including breathing retraining and exercise (biological)
- the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and systematic desensitisation as psychotherapeutic treatments of phobia (psychological);
- psychoeducation for families/supporters with reference to challenging unrealistic or anxious thoughts and not encouraging avoidance behaviours (social).
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