Characteristics of Phobias, Depression & CBT

Question 1

Behavioural characteristics of phobias

Answer 1

Avoidance of the feared object - making conscious effort to avoid coming into contact with the phobic stimulus

Panic - Screaming, crying or running away from the phobic stimulus. Alternatively freezing or fainting.

Question 2

Cognitive characteristics of phobias

Answer 2

Persistent irrational beliefs - about the phobia stimulus. E.g., a spider will harm you

Selective attention - keeping attention on the phobic stimulus and finding it difficult to look away in case of danger

Question 3

Emotional characteristics of phobias

Answer 3

Anxiety - exposure to the phobic stimulus causes worry or distress

Fear - exposure to the phobia stimulus causes terror

Question 4

What are the three main characteristics of phobias?

Answer 4

Panic
Anxiety
Fear

Question 5

Behavioural characteristics of depression

Answer 5

Change in activity levels - lack of energy and withdrawal from activities once enjoyed (anhedonia) OR increased activity

Disruption to sleep - sleep may reduce (insomnia) or increase (hypersomnia)

Disruption to eating behaviour - increased appetite leading to weight gain or decreased appetite leading to weight loss

Question 6

Cognitive characteristics of depression

Answer 6

Poor levels of concentration - being unable to stick with a task as they usually would or make straightforward decisions, this can interfere with the individuals work

Negative schema - interpret all information in a negative way, ignoring the positives

Black and white thinking/absolutist thinking - viewing an unfortunate situation as an absolute disaster

Question 7

Emotional characteristics of depression

Answer 7

lowered mood - often feeling sad, empty, worthless and numb

Anger - directed towards others or the self

Question 8

What are the two main characteristics of depression?

Answer 8

Change in activity levels
Lowered mood

Question 9

Behavioural characteristics of OCD

Answer 9

Compulsions - external behaviours that are repeated to reduce anxiety. E.g., checking, counting, washing hands

Avoidance - of situations that trigger compulsions. E.g., avoiding germs by not shaking hands with people

Question 10

Cognitive characteristics of OCD

Answer 10

Obsessions - internal, intrusive/ unwanted thoughts that are recurring and unpleasant and cause anxiety. E.g., worries of being contaminated by germs

Awareness - that the thoughts/obsessions and compulsions are irrational and unreasonable

Hypervigilance - maintaining constant alertness and keep attention focused on potential hazards e.g., germs

Question 11

Emotional characteristics of OCD

Answer 11

Anxiety and distress - the obsessions are often unpleasant and can cause overwhelming anxiety. The urge to perform the compulsions can also cause anxiety.

Irrational guilt and disgust

Question 12

What are the two main characteristics of OCD?

Answer 12

Compulsions
Obssessions