More theory-driven and less diagnosis-based behavior therapy.
Individualized treatment based on a functional analysis of problem behavior used to be considered a hallmark of behavior therapy. Yet the relative success of recently developed treatment manuals for DSM-defined disorders has cast doubts as to whether treatment individualization is really necessary. This article evaluates some of the relative merits of assessments and manualized treatments based on DSM categories and discusses data that indicate when a protocol treatment approach is sufficient and when it is not. Finally, a theory-driven approach to conducting behavior therapy is proposed as a way to complement individualized and manualized treatments. This approach is illustrated by presenting a model-based assessment and treatment approach to overcome excessive heart-focused anxiety (cardiophobia).
Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown 26506-6040, USA.
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Eifert
D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D009449:Neurocirculatory Asthenia / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales