Psychopathology - Introduction to Phobias

Question 1

What are phobias?

Answer 1

Irrational fears that produce a conscious avoidance of the feared object or situation

Question 2

What type of disorder is a phobia?

Answer 2

Anxiety disorder

Question 3

DSM-5 definition of phobia

Answer 3

Anxiety disorder involving a persistent fear disproportional to the threat or danger posed by the object of the fear

Question 4

Individual with phobia according to DSM-5

Answer 4

Person will go to great lengths to avoid the object of the fear and experience great distress if it’s encountered

Question 5

What must the irrational fear result in to meet the criteria of a phobia according to DSM-5?

Answer 5

Interference with social and work life

Question 6

5 subtypes of specific phobias

Answer 6

1. Animal
2. Natural environment
3. Blood/injections
4. Situational
5. Other

Question 7

Natural environment example

Answer 7

The sea

Question 8

Situational example

Answer 8

Heights

Question 9

Social phobias

Answer 9

Intense fear of a social situation of intense fear of having to interact with others

Question 10

Agoraphobia

Answer 10

Fear of open spaces - fear of being away from home

Question 11

Emotional characteristics of phobias

Answer 11

Anxiety, stress, fear, distress and irritation

Question 12

Behavioural characteristics of phobias

Answer 12

Panic, avoidance, shaking, endurance

Question 13

Cognitive characteristics of phobias

Answer 13

Irrational thoughts
Self-blame