Comparison between one-session psychological treatment and benzodiazepine in dental phobia

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2000 Jun;68(3):378-87. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.68.3.378.

Abstract

To compare the effects of a single session of psychological treatment and acute administration of benzodiazepine, 50 dental phobic patients were allocated either to psychological treatment, benzodiazepine, or no treatment for anxiety. Psychological treatment consisted of stress management training and imaginal exposure to phobic stimuli with homework assignments. Benzodiazepine was administered 30 min before dental treatment. Both treatment conditions led to less anxiety during dental surgery than did the control condition. Phobic patients in the benzodiazepine condition showed a relapse after dental treatment, whereas those in the psychological treatment condition showed further improvement until the follow-up 2 months later. Of the latter group, 70% continued dental treatment; only 20% and 10% returned in the benzodiazepine and control conditions, respectively.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blood Pressure
  • Dental Anxiety / drug therapy
  • Dental Anxiety / therapy*
  • Female
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Midazolam / therapeutic use
  • Pain Measurement
  • Patient Dropouts
  • Psychotherapy, Brief / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Midazolam