Intro to phobias

• What is the main topic of the study material?

  Phobias
• What are the three characteristics of phobias mentioned?

  Behavioural, emotional, and cognitive characteristics
• What model explains the behavioural approach to phobias?

  The two-process model
• What does systematic desensitisation involve?

  Relaxation and use of hierarchy
• How long must phobia symptoms be present according to DSM V?

  At least 6 months
• What is a specific phobia?

  A fear of a specific object or situation
• What is social phobia?

  A fear of social situations
• What is agoraphobia?

  A fear of difficult escape situations
• What is an example of a specific phobia?

  Fear of heights
• What are the behavioural characteristics of phobias?

  Panic, avoidance, and endurance
• What is panic in the context of phobias?

  An overwhelming reaction to the phobic stimulus
• What does avoidance mean in phobias?

  Staying away from triggering situations
• What is endurance in phobias?

  Staying in a feared situation despite anxiety
• What is anxiety in the context of phobias?

  A persistent sense of dread or worry
• What are irrational beliefs in phobias?

  Unrealistic thoughts about danger
• What are cognitive distortions in phobias?

  Inaccurate perceptions of the phobic stimulus
• How does Samantha's behavior illustrate avoidance in phobias?

  She avoids a party at a swimming pool
• How does Jason's reaction to the dog illustrate panic in phobias?

  He feels dizzy and short of breath
• How does Lily's thought process illustrate irrational beliefs in phobias?

  She fears crashing despite flying being safe
• How does Mark's behavior illustrate selective attention to phobic stimulus?

  He can't stop staring at the snake
• How does Tom's worry illustrate anxiety in phobias?

  He feels worried about taking the lift
• How does Lucy's reaction to the spider illustrate unreasonable emotional response?

  She screams and runs away from a small spider
• How does Emily's experience illustrate endurance in phobias?

  She stays at the party despite anxiety
• What are the key terms related to phobias?

  • Panic
  • Avoidance
  • Endurance
  • Anxiety
  • Fear
  • Unreasonable Emotional Response
  • Selective Attention to Phobic Stimulus
  • Irrational Beliefs
  • Cognitive Distortions
• What are the clinical characteristics of phobias according to DSM V?

  • Marked and persistent fear
  • Anxiety when exposed to the feared object
  • Anxiety out of proportion
  • Avoidance or distress response
  • Significant interference with life
  • Present for at least 6 months
  • Not due to another illness
• What are the types of phobias?

  • Specific phobia
  • Social phobia
  • Agoraphobia
• What are the behavioural characteristics of phobias?

  • Panic
  • Avoidance
  • Endurance
• What are the emotional characteristics of phobias?

  • Fear
  • Anxiety
  • Unreasonable emotional response
• What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?

  • Selective attention to phobic stimulus
  • Irrational beliefs
  • Cognitive distortions
• Where can further information about social phobia be found?

  • https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/shyness-and-social-phobia