Exposition aus Sicht niedergelassener Verhaltenstherapeutinnen und Verhaltenstherapeuten: Anwendung und systemische Barrieren [Utilization and barriers of exposure in private practice: The perspective of behavioral psychotherapists ]

Pittig A, Hoyer J (2017)


Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Book Volume: 46

Pages Range: 223-235

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000441

Abstract

Background: Exposure-based interventions are one of the most effective techniques for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Previous research, however, indicated that exposure is rarely utilized in routine care. Barriers that prevent the utilization of exposure in routine care have not been systematically examined. Method: The present study aimed to assess barriers of exposure utilization related to the German health-care system as well as favored changes from the perspective of behavioral therapists working in routine care. Barriers and self-reported frequency of exposure utilization were assessed via postal survey (N = 684). Results: Self-reported utilization indicated that some form of exposure was utilized in less than half of the treatments focusing on an anxiety disorder (46.8 %), which varied strongly between therapists. If utilized, exposure was mainly conducted in the clinician's office, for an average of 1 hr per exposure exercise, and at a weekly or biweekly frequency. More frequent utilization was associated with younger age, a lower number of years working as a therapist, and a higher number of exposure-related hours during clinical training and qualification. Frequent barriers were especially related to financial factors and the effort-compensation ratio, uncertainties about legal liability when conducting exposure outside one's office, and a limited amount of insurance-granted sessions. Conclusion: Exposure for anxiety disorders still seems to be less frequently and intensively utilized as suggested by current evidenced-based practice guidelines. A variety of barriers within the health-care system hamper the utilization by behavioral therapists working in routine care.

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How to cite

APA:

Pittig, A., & Hoyer, J. (2017). Exposition aus Sicht niedergelassener Verhaltenstherapeutinnen und Verhaltenstherapeuten: Anwendung und systemische Barrieren [Utilization and barriers of exposure in private practice: The perspective of behavioral psychotherapists ]. Zeitschrift für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, 46(4), 223-235. https://dx.doi.org/10.1026/1616-3443/a000441

MLA:

Pittig, Andre, and Juergen Hoyer. "Exposition aus Sicht niedergelassener Verhaltenstherapeutinnen und Verhaltenstherapeuten: Anwendung und systemische Barrieren [Utilization and barriers of exposure in private practice: The perspective of behavioral psychotherapists ]." Zeitschrift für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie 46.4 (2017): 223-235.

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