ABSTRACT

This form of psychological treatment has been greatly refined and operationalized in recent years. When patients are given a free choice, it appears to be the preferred option for them, ahead of medication. A number of patients (10-30%), however, are unable or unwilling to conform to the demands of the treatment. It requires the active participation of the patient, and sometimes that of his or her partner, with a lot of work to be done at home or during everyday outdoor activities. It is, therefore, quite timeconsuming. ‘Side effects’ in the traditional sense of those seen with medications do not exist. However, exposure increases anxiety, at least initially. Dependence on the therapist may develop, as in other forms of therapy (American Psychiatric Association 1998, Chosak et al 1999).