Which of the following is considered the most effective treatment for specific phobias?

• A. Electroconvulsive therapy
• B. Exposure therapy
• C. Antipsychotic medication
• D. Psychoanalysis

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what a specific phobia is — it is an intense, irrational fear of a particular object or situation that leads to avoidance behavior and distress.
2. Step 2: Review common treatment options for specific phobias, including psychological therapies and medical interventions.
3. Step 3: Recognize that exposure therapy is a behavioral treatment that involves gradually and systematically exposing the individual to the feared object or situation in a controlled way to reduce fear responses.
4. Step 4: Compare exposure therapy with other options like electroconvulsive therapy, antipsychotic medication, and psychoanalysis, noting that these are either not typically used or less effective for specific phobias.
5. Step 5: Conclude that exposure therapy is considered the most effective treatment for specific phobias because it directly targets the fear through controlled exposure and helps the person build coping mechanisms.