Related Experiment Videos
A multifaceted behavioral intervention for pill-taking avoidance associated with Tylenol poisoning.
1Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown 26506.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|December 1, 1988
Summary
This study shows that exposure therapy, including imaginal and in vivo exposure, effectively treats pill-taking phobias. Treatment led to consistent medication and vitamin use, with lasting effects observed at follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
- Phobia Treatment
Background:
- Investigated pill-taking avoidance due to fear of poisoning.
- Focused on Tylenol-related phobia.
Observation:
- A single session of in vivo exposure to vitamins led to daily use.
- Exposure to aspirin and placebo capsules resulted in medication and placebo intake.
- Treatment effects generalized to related phobic stimuli like leftovers and wine.
Findings:
- Exposure therapy (relaxation, imaginal, in vivo) effectively treated pill-taking avoidance.
- Generalized treatment effects observed without additional intervention.
- Treatment gains were maintained at three and six-month follow-ups.
Implications:
- Suggests a brief, effective treatment protocol for specific phobias.
- Highlights the potential for generalization of therapeutic effects.
- Provides evidence for the long-term efficacy of exposure-based interventions.