psychopathology: phobias Flashcards
What is a phobia?
An anxiety disorder characterized by an irrational fear of an object or situation
What are the behavioral symptoms of a phobia?
- Panic
- Avoidance
- Endurance
What does panic involve in response to a phobic stimulus?
A range of behaviors such as crying, screaming, or freezing
Panic occurs when a person is confronted with the phobic stimulus.
What is avoidance in the context of phobias?
The effort a person makes to prevent coming into contact with the phobic stimulus
What is endurance regarding phobic stimuli?
Choosing to remain in the presence of the phobic stimulus
what are the cognitive symptoms of phobias
- cognitive distortions
- irrational beliefs
- selective attention
What are cognitive distortions in phobias?
Inaccurate and unrealistic perceptions related to the phobic stimulus
What are irrational beliefs in the context of phobias?
Unfounded thoughts related to phobic stimuli
What does selective attention to a phobic stimulus mean?
Difficulty in looking away from the phobic stimulus when it is visible
what are the emotional symptoms of phobias
- anxiety
- fear
explain anxiety in phobias?
An unpleasant state of arousal preventing relaxation and positive emotions
Anxiety is a persistent feeling associated with phobias.
explain fear in phobias
This is an immediate and extremely
unpleasant response we experience when we encounter or think about a phobic stimulus. It is usually intense but experienced for shorter periods than anxiety.
How does fear differ from anxiety in the context of phobias?
Fear is an immediate, intense response experienced for short periods, while anxiety is more persistent
Fear is triggered by encountering or thinking about the phobic stimulus.
