Characteristics of Phobias ,OCD and Depression

Question 1

Define Phobias

Answer 1

An anxiety disorder, which interferes with daily living.It is an instance of irrational fear that produces a conscious avoidance of feared objects or situations

Question 2

Define OCD

Answer 2

An anxiety disorder characterised by intrusive and uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions), coupled with a need to perform specific acts repeatedly
( compulsions).

Question 3

Define Depression

Answer 3

A mood disorder that causes low mood, irrational negative thoughts and lethargy

Question 4

Emotional characteristics of phobias

Answer 4

• Anxiety and fear - Fear is the immediate reaction to the phobic stimulus, fear then turns to anxiety
• Unreasonable responses - response is widely disproportionate to the threat posed

Question 5

Behavioural characteristic of phobias

Answer 5

• Panic - crying , screaming or running away from phobic stimulus
• Avoidance - Considerable effort to avoid contact with phobic stimulus, this can make everyday life difficult

Question 6

Cognitive characteristic of phobias

Answer 6

• Selective attention - Individual finds it hard to look away from the phobic stimulus , this can affect concentration on a task
• Irrational beliefs - usually extreme beliefs to normal situations, e.g “ if i blush i will appear weak ”

Question 7

Emotional characteristics of OCD

Answer 7

• Anxiety and Distress - obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and causes anxiety
• Guilt and disgust - irrational guilt or disgust over oneself or something external

Question 8

Behavioural characteristic of OCD

Answer 8

• Compulsions - Actions that are carried out repeatedly, ritual like
• Avoidance - managed by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety

Question 9

Cognitive characteristic of OCD

Answer 9

• Obsessive thoughts - recurring intrusive thoughts

- Insight into excessive anxiety - The individual is aware of their irrationality

Question 10

Emotional characteristics of depression

Answer 10

• Lowered Mood - Sufferers often describe themselves as empty or worthless
• Anger - such emotions lead to aggression or self-harming behaviour

Question 11

Behavioural characteristic of depression

Answer 11

• Activity Levels - Low levels make them lethargic and sometimes difficult to even get out of bed
• Disruption to sleep and eating behaviour - May experience hypersomnia or insomnia , also increase/decrease in appetite

Question 12

Cognitive characteristic of depression

Answer 12

• Poor Concentration - Sufferers may find doing simple decisions hard to make and unable to stick to a task
• Absolutist thinking - ‘black and white thinking’ when a situation is unfortunate it is a complete disaster in their eyes