cognitive, emotional and behavioural characteristics of each disorder Flashcards
what are the cognitive characteristics of phobias
Irrational thought:
- at the root of all phobias.
selective attention:
- is given to the feared object and we are hyper alert to its presence
Awareness that the fear is irrational:
- otherwise this might signal a psychotic disorder
what are the behavioural characteristics of phobias
Avoidance:
- phobic object or situation is excessively avoided
Impact on life:
- this avoidance can significantly impact upon the individuals life
a panic reaction is experienced:
- crying, screaming, freezing, running away when the individual encounters the feared object or situation
what are the emotional characteristics of phobias
immense fear
what are the cognitive characteristics of OCD
obsessive thoughts - thoughts that recur over and over again
hypervigilance - mega-alert
awareness that their thoughts and behaviour are ‘excessive and unreasonable’
what are the behavioural characteristics of OCD
compulsions:
- repetitive, sufferers feel they must repeat the same behaviours again and again e.g. hand-washing to ensure they are clean
- reduce anxiety, carrying out the compulsive behaviour relieves anxiety that the sufferer is feeling (so is negatively reinforcing) e.g. washing
hands to rescue fear of germs
avoidance:
- sufferers of OCD tend to try to manage their condition by AVOIDING the source of their anxiety
e.g. avoiding putting the bin out if you have a fear of germs, touching the door handle
what are the emotional characteristics of OCD
- anxiety/distress
- depression/sadness
- guilt + disgust
what are the cognitive characteristics of depression
- poor concentration and decision making
- pessimism- dwelling on unhappy events/issues
- absolutist thinking (all or nothing thinking - black and white thinking)
- suicidal thoughts
what are the behavioural characteristics of depression
Activity levels:
- individual may feel lethargic (no energy)
- diminished enjoyment in activities
causes social withdrawal (seeing friends less)
- effects attendance at work or school
Disruption to sleep and eating behaviour:
- insomnia (lack of sleep) or
- hypersomnia (seriously increased sleep)
- appetite loss (and weight loss)
- appetite gain (and weight gain)
Aggression and self harm:
- sufferers often become irritable (short fuse)
- can become verbally and physically aggressive
- aggression against the self in the form of self-harm, attempted suicide
what are the emotional characteristics of depression
- persistent low mood/sadness, despair, emptiness
- lowered self - esteem
- anger
