Physiological measurements in phobic and obsessional disorders.

The various physiological measurements which can be made in obsessional and phobic disorders are described. Useful information can be obtained about the effects of acute stress and the changes that medication can produce in anxious patients and the clinical progress of behaviour therapy can be monitored. When physiological measurements are made it is important to record the emotional state of the patient simultaneously so that the level of physiological arousal is related to the subjective experience of the patient.