Psychopathology - Clinical characteristics

Question 1

Definition of a Phobia

Answer 1

A persistent, intense & irrational fear of certain situations or objects.

• fear is out of proportion to danger
• causes distress and interferes with day to day life
• person goes to great lengths to avoid thing they are afraid of

Question 2

Main types of phobia

Answer 2

Specific phobias
= of specific objects or situations (spiders, flying)

Social phobia
= fear of embarrassment or humiliation in a public or social situation

Agoraphobia
= a persistent fear of certain environments, often due to crowdedness
or openness

Question 3

Emotional symptoms of phobias

Answer 3

• intense feelings of panic

- excessive & disproportionate feelings of fear

Question 4

Behavioural symptoms of phobias

Answer 4

• person goes to great lengths to avoid phobic stimulus or
  escape as soon as possible
• if situation cannot be avoided, person may shake, cry, scream etc.

Question 5

Cognitive symptoms of phobias

Answer 5

• may be distorted thinking about the phobic stimulus

- person is aware that their fear is irrational (not a delusional disorder)

Question 6

Definition of major (unipolar) depression

Answer 6

Characterised by depressed mood and diminished interest or pleasure in activities.

At least 5 key symptoms of depression must be experienced every day for at least two weeks before diagnosis of depression considered.

Question 7

Emotional symptoms of depression

Answer 7

• low mood or feelings of hopelessness

- irritability & anger

Question 8

Behavioural symptoms of depression

Answer 8

• lack of energy and inactivity
• sleep problems (insomnia or sleeping excessively)
• changes in appetite (increased or decreased appetite)

Question 9

Cognitive symptoms of depression

Answer 9

• Distorted negative thinking
  (usually extremely negative e.g. “I am unloveable”)
• Thoughts of death (as release or suicidal thoughts)
• poor concentration
• poor memory

Question 10

Bipolar depression & symptoms

Answer 10

Type of depression where people experience periods of the same symptoms as depression and depressed moods
BUT
also have phases of MANIA where they may show symptoms of;

• elated mood
• delusions (e.g. Thinking you have a superpower)
• risk taking behaviour (e.g. Gambling)

Question 11

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) definition

Answer 11

OCD is an anxiety disorder in which a person experiences persistent, intrusive thoughts (O) that they find extremely unpleasant and upsetting.

Thoughts are about topics they find repugnant or revolting.

The person may have the uncontrollable urge to engage in behaviours (C) to stop the thoughts and prevent the feared event.

• often severely disrupts day-to-day functioning

Question 12

What is an obsession?

Answer 12

Persistent & intrusive thoughts that are unpleasant or upsetting

e.g. Thoughts about germs and contamination causing illness

Question 13

What is a compulsion?

Answer 13

The uncontrollable urge to engage in certain behaviours (often repetitive)

e.g. Repetitively washing hands to remove germs, repeating certain
rituals

Question 14

Emotional symptoms of OCD

Answer 14

• intense anxiety or feelings of panic when intrusive thoughts
  occur or if prevented form carrying out compulsive ️
  behaviours
• the person may feel guilt & disgust at the thoughts they are having

Question 15

Behavioural symptoms of OCD

Answer 15

• time spent on compulsive behaviours can have serious effect
  in ability to work or maintain social relationships
• Avoidance
  • person may go to great lengths to avoid things that may trigger
    their obsessional thinking

Question 16

Cognitive symptoms of OCD

Answer 16

• repetitive & intrusive thoughts or images
• realisation that the thoughts are irrational & self-generated (not
  delusional)