Desensitization

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A stress-management technique, more accurately called systematic desensitization, which induces relaxation. Desensitization is a form of counter-conditioning in which feelings of anxiety are replaced by feelings of pleasure. The subject compiles an ordered list of anxiety-inducing situations (such as those associated with performing physical activities in public), placing the one causing the most anxiety at the top. Then, the subject completes a progressive muscle relaxation routine. Once relaxation is achieved, each anxiety-inducing situation is visualized, starting with the one causing least anxiety. At the same time, the subject visualizes that he or she is performing well in public.

A stress-management technique, more accurately called systematic desensitization, which uses relaxation techniques to cope with anxiety-inducing situations. The subject compiles a hierarchical list of anxiety-inducing situations (such as those associated with competition) with the one inducing the most anxiety at the top, and so on. The subject then undergoes progressive muscle relaxation. Once relaxation is achieved, each anxiety-inducing situation is visualized, starting with the least stressful. At the same time, the subject visualizes himself or herself performing very well in the competition. Desensitization is a form of counter conditioning.

The prevention or reduction of immediate hypersensitivity reactions mediated by IgE by the administration of graded doses of allergen; hyposensitization. See also immunotherapy.

• extinction d. — see extinction.

1. a condition of insusceptibility to infection or an allergen; established in experimental animals by the injection of an antigen that produces sensitization or an anaphylactic reaction. After recovery, a second injection of the antigen is made, bringing about no reaction and thus producing desensitization. n 2. reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity by the addition of medicaments to the exposed dentin surface.

Desensitization can refer to:

• Desensitization (telecommunications)
• Desensitization (medicine)
• Desensitization (psychology)
• Desensitization of explosives, see Phlegmatized

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