Treatment of avoidance behavior as an adjunct to exposure therapy: Insights from modern learning theory

Michael Treanor; Tom J. Barry

doi:10.1016/j.brat.2017.04.009

Treatment of avoidance behavior as an adjunct to exposure therapy: Insights from modern learning theory

Michael Treanor
, Tom J. Barry

Department of Psychology

University of California, Los Angeles
Experimental Psychopathology Lab
Chinese University of Hong Kong
King's College London

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

58 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Pathological avoidance of benign stimuli is a hallmark of anxiety and related disorders, and exposure-based treatments have often encouraged the removal of avoidance, or safety behaviors, due to their negative effects on extinction learning. Unfortunately, empirical evidence suggests that avoidance behaviors can persist following treatment, and the mere availability of avoidance behavior can be sufficient to renew fear following successful extinction learning. The present paper critically examines the function of avoidance behavior through the lens of modern learning theory, and speculates on novel behavioral and pharmacological strategies for targeting avoidance as an adjunct to current evidence-based treatments.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	30-36
Number of pages	7
Journal	Behaviour Research and Therapy
Volume	96
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2017.04.009
Publication status	Published - Sept 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

Anxiety disorders
Avoidance learning
Exposure therapy
Extinction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Psychiatry and Mental health

Access to Document

10.1016/j.brat.2017.04.009

Cite this

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abstract = "Pathological avoidance of benign stimuli is a hallmark of anxiety and related disorders, and exposure-based treatments have often encouraged the removal of avoidance, or safety behaviors, due to their negative effects on extinction learning. Unfortunately, empirical evidence suggests that avoidance behaviors can persist following treatment, and the mere availability of avoidance behavior can be sufficient to renew fear following successful extinction learning. The present paper critically examines the function of avoidance behavior through the lens of modern learning theory, and speculates on novel behavioral and pharmacological strategies for targeting avoidance as an adjunct to current evidence-based treatments.",

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AB - Pathological avoidance of benign stimuli is a hallmark of anxiety and related disorders, and exposure-based treatments have often encouraged the removal of avoidance, or safety behaviors, due to their negative effects on extinction learning. Unfortunately, empirical evidence suggests that avoidance behaviors can persist following treatment, and the mere availability of avoidance behavior can be sufficient to renew fear following successful extinction learning. The present paper critically examines the function of avoidance behavior through the lens of modern learning theory, and speculates on novel behavioral and pharmacological strategies for targeting avoidance as an adjunct to current evidence-based treatments.

KW - Anxiety disorders

KW - Avoidance learning

KW - Exposure therapy

KW - Extinction

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85019002336

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ER -

Treatment of avoidance behavior as an adjunct to exposure therapy: Insights from modern learning theory

Abstract

Bibliographical note

UN SDGs

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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