Characteristics of Mental Disorders

Question 1

What is a phobia?

Answer 1

Irrational fears that produce a conscious avoidance of the feared object or situation

Question 2

Emotional characteristics of phobias

Answer 2

Fear so therefore feelings of anxiety and panic

Question 3

Behavioural characteristics of phobias

Answer 3

• Avoidance
• Freeze or faint (Fight or flight)

Question 4

Cognitive characteristics of phobias

Answer 4

• Irrational beliefs
• Recognising the fear is excessive or unreasonable

Question 5

What is depression?

Answer 5

Classified as a mood disorder

Question 6

Emotional characteristics of depression

Answer 6

• Sadness or loss of pleasure in normal activities
• Anger
• Feelings of despair
• Lack of control

Question 7

Behavioural characteristics of depression

Answer 7

• Shift in activity level (reduced or increased)
• Sleep affected (insomnia)
• Appetite affected

Question 8

Cognitive characteristics of depression

Answer 8

• Negative thoughts
• Sense of worthlessness
• Poor concentration

Question 9

What is OCD?

Answer 9

A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour

Question 10

Emotional characteristics of OCD

Answer 10

• Anxiety or distress
• Guilt and disgust

Question 11

Cognitive characteristics of OCD

Answer 11

• Obsessive thoughts
• Cognitive strategies to deal with these
• Excessive anxiety

Question 12

Behavioural characteristics of OCD

Answer 12

• Compulsions (repetitive) such as hand washing
• Praying/counting mentally