Final answer:
Systematic desensitization is a psychological method used to help individuals overcome phobias by gradually exposing them to their fears in a controlled way, with the use of learned relaxation techniques. Epinephrine is used medically to treat hypersensitivity reactions by improving breathing, stimulating the heart, and reducing swelling and hives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Systematic desensitization is a type of behavior therapy used in the field of psychology to help individuals overcome phobias and anxiety disorders. It involves the gradual exposure to the feared object or context without any danger, to help the individual become less sensitive to the source of their fear, or desensitize them to it. The process typically follows several key steps:
- Learn and implement relaxation skills - Before facing the feared stimuli, individuals are trained in relaxation techniques to help manage anxiety.
- Develop a hierarchy of fears - This involves creating a list of fear-inducing scenarios ordered from least to most frightening.
- Conduct imaginal exposure on fears starting with the lowest to highest rated ones - Gradual exposure begins with the least scary scenarios, moving up the list as the individual becomes more comfortable.
- Encourage the use of relaxation skills when anxiety increases during exposure - This helps the individual maintain control over their fear response.
The role of epinephrine in treatment of hypersensitivity reactions is quite different, as it is a medical response to allergic reactions. Epinephrine acts rapidly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat.