Specific Phobia (Spider Phobia) / Psychotherapy Mental and Behavioural Disorders Specific (isolated) phobias
Conditions
Interventions
Comparing two treatment conditions for spider phobia.
Participants underwent a one session (three hour) exposure therapy treatment. Participants were gradually exposed to different living spiders of
Sponsors
University of Saarland (Germany)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Female
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Participation is restricted to: 1. Healthy, non-smoking women, aged 18-60 2. Using oral contraceptives 3. Body mass index between 20-25 mg²
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Recent history of systemic or oral cortisol therapy 2. Any axis I disorder (other than spider phobia) 3. Severe acute or chronic disease (e.g. lung or heart diseases) 4. Allergic reactions to insect bites 5. Pregnancy and lactating 5. Current pharmacological treatment or psychotherapy 6. We also require patients to refrain from physical exercise, alcohol and caffeinated drinks within 3 hours prior to therapy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Behavioural Approach Test (BAT): To test the patients? fear and avoidance of living spiders participants are asked to approach a living house spider that is placed in a sealed container. The patient?s behaviour is rated on a scale from 0 to 12, where 0: refusal to enter the room and 12: holding the spider for at least 20 seconds. Measured at baseline (prior to treatment), one week after treatment, and three months (12-14 weeks after treatment). | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Fear of Spider Questionnaire (FSQ): The FSQ is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure spider phobia. It consists of 18 items that refer to a restricted time period and are rated on a seven point scale. Measured at baseline (prior to treatment), one week after treatment, and three months (12-14 weeks after treatment). | — |
Countries
Germany
Outcome results
None listed