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Ethanol Retards Desensitisation of Simple Phobias in Non-alcoholics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

O. G. Cameron ,
M. R. Liepman ,
G. C. Curtis  and
B. A. Thyer
O. G. Cameron*
Affiliation:
University of Michigan
M. R. Liepman
Affiliation:
University of Michigan
G. C. Curtis
Affiliation:
University of Michigan
B. A. Thyer
Affiliation:
University of Michigan
*
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
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Abstract

Twenty non-alcoholic patients with DSM-III defined simple phobias for small animals received behavioural approach tests and exposure therapy while under the influence of a moderately intoxicating dose of ethanol or after placebo administration. Ethanol did not demonstrate any acute anti-anxiety effect, but retarded the rate of behavioural in vivo desensitisation, without changing the final treatment outcome. State-dependent effects of ethanol on anxiety were not demonstrated. This study supports prior research indicating no anti-anxiety or ‘tension-reducing’ effects of ethanol for simple phobias.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 150 , Issue 6 , June 1987 , pp. 845 - 849
Copyright
Copyright © 1987 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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