phobias

• According to the DSM-IV, what characterizes all phobias?

  All phobias are characterized by excessive fear and anxiety.
• What can trigger a phobia?


  A phobia can be triggered by an object, place, or situation.
• How is fear related to the phobic stimulus?

  Fear is disproportionate to the phobic stimulus, meaning it is not in line with the actual danger posed.
• What are the categories of phobias recognized?

  • Specific phobia: fear of an object or situation
  • Social anxiety (social phobia): fear of social situations
  • Agoraphobia: fear of being outside or in public places
• What is a specific phobia?

  A specific phobia is a phobia of an object, such as an animal or body part, or a situation like flying or having an injection.
• What is social anxiety (social phobia)?

  Social anxiety is a phobia of social situations, such as public speaking or using a public toilet.
• What is agoraphobia?


  Agoraphobia is a phobia of being outside or in a public place, often in unfamiliar or unescapable situations.
• What does selective attention to the phobic stimulus mean?

  Selective attention to the phobic stimulus means having difficulty looking away and fixating on the feared object or situation.
• What are irrational beliefs in the context of phobias?

  Irrational beliefs are particularly prevalent with social phobias and increase pressure in the phobic situation.
• What are cognitive distortions?

  Cognitive distortions are inaccurate and unrealistic perceptions, such as someone with ophidiophobia seeing snakes as alien and aggressive looking.
• What are the three responses to a phobic stimulus?

  1. Panic (freeze): Responses include fleeing, crying, or freezing.
  2. Avoidance (flight): Actively avoiding the stimulus, impacting social and work life.
  3. Endurance (fight): Choosing to remain in the presence of the stimulus while being wary.
• How are phobias classified in terms of anxiety disorders?

  Phobias are classed as anxiety disorders.
• What is the emotional state associated with phobias?

  Phobias involve an unpleasant state of high arousal, making it difficult to experience positive emotions.
• How is fear different from anxiety in the context of phobias?

  Fear is the immediate and extremely unpleasant response when experiencing or thinking about the phobic stimulus, while anxiety is a more prolonged state.
• Why is the emotional response to phobias considered unreasonable?

  The emotional response is unreasonable because the anxiety or fear is much greater than what is considered 'normal' and disproportionate to any threat posed.