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Combining alprazolam with systematic desensitization therapy for dental injection phobia
Susan E Coldwell1, Frank H Wilhelm, Peter Milgrom
1Department of Dental Public Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. scoldwel@u.washington.edu
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|February 27, 2007
Summary
Alprazolam did not improve systematic desensitization for dental injection phobia. Combining alprazolam (a benzodiazepine) with therapy showed no benefits over placebo in reducing dental fear.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dental injection phobia is a common condition.
- Systematic desensitization is a recognized therapy for phobias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, enhances systematic desensitization for dental injection phobia.
- To assess the efficacy of alprazolam in conjunction with systematic desensitization therapy.
Main Methods:
- 144 subjects with dental injection phobia underwent systematic desensitization combined with placebo or alprazolam (0.5mg or 0.75mg).
- Therapy involved virtual and in vivo exposure, including a dental injection. Progress was based on anxiety levels.
- A behavioral avoidance test was used to assess state-dependent learning.
Main Results:
- Alprazolam and placebo groups progressed through therapy at similar rates.
- The 0.75mg alprazolam group showed elevated heart rates during video segments.
- No state-dependent learning was observed. Dental fear reduction was comparable across all groups for one year.
Conclusions:
- Combining alprazolam with systematic desensitization offers no advantage for treating dental injection phobia.
- Alprazolam did not facilitate the desensitization process or improve long-term outcomes for dental fear.
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