Characteristics of disorders Flashcards
What is a phobia?
An intense, overwhelming and debilitating fear - very common, between 15 - 20% of the population experience one
What are emotional characteristics of phobias?
Persistent, excessive, unreasonable fear.
High level of anxiety when anticipating the object.
Fear when presented with stimulus.
What are behavioural characteristics of phobias?
Panic attacks, crying, screaming, running away, freezing or clinging.
Avoiding the feared stimulus.
Disrupting everyday functioning.
What are cognitive characteristics of phobias?
Conscious awareness of exaggerated anxiety.
Paying selective attention to the feared stimulus.
Irrational beliefs.
What is depression?
A mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness.
It is estimated that 5% of adults suffer from depression.
What are the emotional characteristics of depression?
Persistent low mood - pronounced feeling of sadness.
Anger directed at self and others.
Lowered self-esteem.
What are behavioural characteristics of depression?
Lack of interest in normal everyday activities / social withdrawal
Insomnia or excessive desire to sleep.
Aggression towards others.
What are cognitive characteristics of depression?
Poor concentration - difficulties attending to a task or problems making decisions
Cognitive biases - focus on negative aspects of a situation.
Suicidal thoughts.
What is OCD?
An anxiety disorder with obsessions and compulsions.
What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?
Anxiety and distress - may accompany both obsessions and compulsions.
Low mood and/or depression.
Feelings of guilt and disgust.
What are behavioural characteristics of OCD?
Compulsions - repetitive behaviours which are often performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety.
Avoidance of situations which trigger anxiety.
What are cognitive characteristics of OCD?
Obsessive thoughts which constantly occur.
Cognitive coping strategies.
Insight into obsessive anxiety.
