In this video, Professor Dr. Stefan G. Hofmann discusses the effectiveness of exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral interventions in treating anxiety disorders. Exposure therapy, which involves confronting feared stimuli in a graded manner, is generally successful for fear-related issues. However, it is often insufficient on its own and can be enhanced with cognitive strategies. Cognitive interventions help individuals realize that the worst outcomes are unlikely, creating a discrepancy between expected and actual outcomes that leads to a cognitive shift. This approach is particularly effective for social anxiety disorder and panic disorder, while exposure-based strategies are more effective for specific phobias.
Professor Dr. Stefan G. Hofmann
Alexander von Humboldt Professor
LOEWE Spitzenprofessur für Translationale Klinische Psychologie
Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany
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