A controlled study to assess the clinical efficacy of totally self-administered systematic desensitization

43 highly anxious self-referred snake phobics (mean age, 33.5 yrs) received either therapist-administered desensitization, self-administered desensitization with weekly therapist phone calls, totally self-administered desensitization, a self-administered double-blind placebo control, or no treatment. Pretreatment to posttreatment and follow-up assessments of Ss' reactions and attitudes toward snakes include behavioral approach, self-report, and heart rate period data. The latter 2 measures showed significant differences between desensitization and control Ss. It is concluded that within the context of moderate treatment effects, results support the clinical efficacy of totally self-administered desensitization. Implications for the clinical management of specific fears are discussed. (38 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).