Psychopathology - characteristics of phobias

Question 1

What are the behavioural characteristics of phobias?

Answer 1

Avoidance of objects, displaying a panic response (distress) and failure to function so not being able to complete normal tasks

Question 2

What are the emotional characteristics of phobias?

Answer 2

High levels of anxiety stopping relaxation and fear

Question 3

What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?

Answer 3

Irrational beliefs about phobic subject/object, overstating potential dangers/ importance. Also a reduced cognitive capacity.

Question 4

What are the behavioural characteristics of depression?

Answer 4

Weight loss, low energy, self harm and poor personal hygiene

Question 5

What are the emotional characteristics of depression?

Answer 5

Persistent low mood/ sadness and reduced feeling of worth linked to guilt

Question 6

What are the cognitive characteristics of depression?

Answer 6

Poor concentration and persistent concern focussing on negative outcomes

Question 7

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 7

Compulsions, so checking or cleaning behaviours. Avoidance of behaviour that leads to obsessive thoughts and reduction in social interactions due to anxiety

Question 8

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 8

Extreme anxiety caused by persistent, obsessive thoughts.

Depression due to the impact of the disorder on enjoyable activities. Hysterical

Question 9

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 9

Obsessions which are recurrent thoughts focussing on the worst case scenario. Also, an understanding of the irrationality of their catastrophic thinking