Phobias AO1

Question 1

What are the 3 Behavioural Characteristics of Phobias?
Briefly define them.

AO1

Answer 1

1) Panic - crying, screaming, running away
2) Avoidance - conscious effort to avoid the phobic stimulus
3) Endurance - sufferer remains in the presence of the stimulus but still has high levels of anxiety.

Question 2

What are the Emotional Characteristics of Phobias?
Briefly define them.

AO1

Answer 2

1) Anxiety - a state of high arousal that prevents the sufferer from relaxing and experiencing positive emotions. Can be long term.
2) Fear - immediate and extremely unpleasant response when we encounter/think abt the stimulus

Question 3

Emotional responses are…

AO1

Answer 3

unreasonable

Question 4

Phobias are classed as…

AO1

Answer 4

anxiety disorders

Question 5

What are the 3 Cognitive Characteristics of Phobias?
Briefly define them.

AO1

Answer 5

1) Selective Attention - unable to look away from the phobic stimulus, gives chance to react quickly but not useful when fear is irrational.
2) Irrational Beliefs - increase the pressure & anxiety, beliefs related to the stimulus.
3) Cognitive Distortions - perceptions of stimulus are distorted.

Question 6

What are the DSM-5 categories of Phobia?

AO1

Answer 6

1) Specific Phobia
2) Social Phobia/Anxiety
3) Agoraphobia

Question 7

What is the DSM-5 definition for Phobias?

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Answer 7

Phobias are characterised by excessive fear and anxiety, triggered by an object/place/situation.
The extent of fear is out of proportion to any real danger presented by the stimulus.