behaviour therapy
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behaviour therapy
Any therapy which focuses on modifying observable and, in principle, quantifiable behaviour by systematic manipulation of the environment and variables functionally linked to the behaviour.
Examples
Operant conditioning, shaping, token economy, systematic desensitisation, aversion therapy, flooding.behaviour therapy
A method of treating neurotic disorders and modifying unacceptable patterns of behaviour by establishing CONDITIONED REFLEXES, using positive and negative reinforcement, by reward and punishment, respectively. Behaviour therapy has been shown to be effective in obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, sexual dysfunction, aggressive conduct in SCHIZOPHRENIA and in some cases of so-called MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS. In general, it is more useful in treating circumscribed conditions than in dealing with widespread personality disorders.
