Needle phobia overcome in one case study by use of changing criterion and differential reinforcement

Injection

Fear and anxiety about medical procedures can be a barrier to accessing healthcare for people with learning disabilities. In particular, fear of needles can mean that blood tests may not be able to be taken and this can prove a significant clinical challenge. The researchers in this case study used a changing criterion design, they [read the full story…]

Study suggests that a computer program may have some success in managing patients with dental needle fear

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Significant fear of dental injections has been reported in as many as one in four adults.   The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of  Computer Assisted Relaxation
 Learning (CARL) with an informational pamphlet for reducing dental injection fear. CARL is a self-paced, computerized program based on systematic desensitization aimed at reducing fear [read the full story…]