Reduction of dental fear: psychophysiological correlates.

• EMG, HR and SCR were continuously recorded during two Standardized Dental Examinations (SDE) of 15 dental phobics. Following the first SDE, the patients were assigned to two treatment groups, one receiving systematic desensitization followed by two separate amalgam restorations and one premedicated with Valium for the two restorations. The dentist rated the patients' behavior on a 5-point scale. Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) was used prior to the first SDE and following the second SDE. The second SDE was conducted on a separate occasion following the second restoration. No significant correlations were found between any of the physiological measures and either the dentist's ratings or the second DAS or DAS change scores. Significant differences found between the two treatment groups on the dentist's ratings, second DAS, and change scores were not reflected by the physiological measures.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adult

Dental Care

psychology

Desensitization

Psychologic

Diazepam

therapeutic use

Electromyography

Fear

physiology

Female

Galvanic Skin Response

Heart Rate

Humans

Male

Phobic Disorders

physiopathology

therapy

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)