Characteristics: Phobias

Question 1

What are the classifications for phobias in the DSM-iv? (6)

Answer 1

• marked+persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable
• exposure to phobic stimulus provokes immediate anxiety response
• person recognises fear as excessive
• phobic situation is avoided
• phobia disrupts person’s normal life
• phobia lasted more than 6 months in under 18s

Question 2

What are the classifications for phobias in the ICD-10? (3)

Answer 2

• psychological or autonomic (involuntary) symptoms must be primary manifestations of anxiety, not secondary to other symptoms e.g delusions
• anxiety must be restricted to presence of particular object or situation
• phobic situation is avoided where possible

Question 3

What is the DCM-iv and the ICD-10?

Answer 3

Diagnostic tools used by health professionals e.g psychiatrists, doctors and nurses

DCM-iv= America 
ICD-10= Europe

Question 4

Strengths of DCM/ICD?

Answer 4

• main diagnostic tool used internationally= standardised across all cultures
• useful as a way of diagnosing

Question 5

Weaknesses of the DCM/ICD?

Answer 5

• subject to interpretation of health professional
• can self-diagnose
• social desirability
• low validity as can never prove truth
• low cross-cultural validity
• self-report= doesn’t support psy as a science

Question 6

Background?

Answer 6

• type of anxiety disorder
• continuous feeling of fear and anxiety which is disabling+impose on daily functioning
• physical symptoms e.g shortness of breath, palpitations, shaking
• may know fear is irrational but cannot control immense terror