Habituation versus Inhibitory Learning - Understanding underlying mechanisms of exposure therapy for agoraphobia

This project focuses on underlying mechanisms of exposure therapy for agoraphobic patients. While exposure therapy is the gold standard for treating agoraphobic patients, to date it is unclear which mechanisms contribute to the success of this therapy procedure. Two treatment approaches including exposure are implemented: One focusing on relevant aspects for successful therapy assumed by the Emotional Processing Theory; one approach focusing on the Inhibitory Learning Theory.