3.3. Clinial Characteristics Of Disorders

Question 1

What is agoraphobia?

Answer 1

Extreme or irrational fear of open or public places

Question 2

What is social phobia?

Answer 2

An anxiety disorder in which a person has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations

Question 3

What is a specific phobia?

Answer 3

A specific phobia is any kind of anxiety disorder that amounts to an unreasonable or irrational fear related to exposure to specific objects or situations

Question 4

What are the behavioural characteristics of phobias?

Answer 4

• Avoidance
• Panic
• Endurance
• Freeze response

Question 5

What are the emotional characteristics of phobias?

Answer 5

• Unreasonable fear
• Anxiety
• Unreasonable emotional responses

Question 6

What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?

Answer 6

• Irrational thinking and beliefs
• Cognitive distortion
• Selective attention

Question 7

What is depression?

Answer 7

• A mood disorder
• DSM-5 distinguished between major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder which is longer term and/or reoccurring
• Most people suffer only from depression whereas others experience states of mania that alternate with their depression (bipolar)

Question 8

What are the behavioural characteristics of depression?

Answer 8

• Activity levels e.g. lethargic
• Disruption to sleep/eating
• Aggression and self harm

Question 9

What are the emotional characteristics of depression?

Answer 9

• Lowered mood
• Anger
• Lowered self esteem

Question 10

What are the cognitive characteristics of depression?

Answer 10

• Poor concentration
• Attention to the negative
• Absolutist thinking

Question 11

What is OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)?

Answer 11

An anxiety disorder, typically beginning in young adulthood
2 parts:
- Obsessive thoughts that are persistent and intrusive
- Compulsive behaviours- repetitive behaviours
Ie intrusive thoughts about contamination and a compulsion to clean

Question 12

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 12

• Repetitive compulsions
• Compulsions reduce anxiety
• Avoidance

Question 13

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 13

• Anxiety and distress
• Depression
• Guilt and disgust

Question 14

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 14

• Obsessive thoughts
• Cognitive coping strategies
• Insight into excessive anxiety