Abstract
Polygraphical examination was conducted during systematic desensitization therapy of five patients with acture anxiety attacks and anticipating anxiety. Determinations were simultaneously made of the following parameters : GSR, digital plethysmogram, electrocardiogram, cardiotachogram, respiration, EMG, peripheral skin temperature and abdominal peristalitic murmurs. Polygraphical responses induced by the imagination of fearful scenes in hierarchy of anxious situations were recorded before, during and after the systematic desensitization procedure. Anxiety attacks and anticipating anxiety improved completely in all the patients after the treatment.The results were summarized as follows;1) Changes in GSR, respiration and digital plethysmogram were triggered by the imagination of a fearful scene, while no response induced by the imagination of a meaningless scene.2) Degree of the polygraphical response corresponded to the degree of subjective unit of disturbance in the hierarchy.3) THe polygraphical response disappeared during the desensitizatin process along with a decrease in subjective unit of disturbance.4) The imagination of the fearful scene that had produced marked polygraphical responses initially did not produce any polygraphical response after the patients were successfully treated by the systematic desensitization therapy.5) Presentation of the polygraphical improvement to the patients played an important role in their understanding of the progress of the treatment. Advantages and limitations of the application of polygraphical examination to the systematic desensitization therapy were also discussed.
