Phobias, Depression and OCD

• What is a phobia?

  An irrational fear of an object or situation.
• What are the DSM-5 categories of phobias?

  • Specific phobia - phobia of an object
  • Social anxiety (social phobia)
  • Agoraphobia - phobia of being outside or in public space
• What are behavioural characteristics of phobias?

  • Panic - person may panic when encountering phobic stimulus
  • Avoidance
  • Endurance - choosing to remain in presence of phobic stimulus
• What are emotional characteristics of phobias?

  • Anxiety - phobias are anxiety disorders, prevents relaxation
  • Fear - immediate and extremely unpleasant response
  • Emotional response is unreasonable
• What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?

  • Selective attention to the phobic stimulus
  • Irrational beliefs
  • Cognitive distortions
• What is depression?

  A mental disorder characterised by low moods and energy levels.
• What are the DSM-5 categories of depression?

  • Major depressive disorder - severe but short term depression
  • Persistent depressive disorder - long term/recurring depression
  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder - childhood temper tantrums
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• What are behavioural characteristics of depression?

  • Activity levels - reduced levels of energy, however some have the opposite affect and become agitated
  • Disruption to sleep and eating behaviour - some face insomnia and loss of appetite, while some face increased sleep and overeating
  • Aggression and self-harm
• What are emotional characteristics of depression?

  • Lowered mood
  • Anger
  • Lowered self-esteem
• What are cognitive characteristics of depression?

  • Poor concentration
  • Focusing on negative thoughts
  • Absolutist (black and white) thinking
• What is OCD?

  A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour. Obsessions are cognitive while compulsions are behavioural.
• What are the DSM-5 categories of OCD?

  • OCD
  • Trichotillomania
  • Hoarding disorder
  • Excoriation disorder - compulsive skin picking
• What are behavioural characteristics of OCD?

  • Compulsions are repetitive
  • Compulsions reduce anxiety
  • Avoidance - keep away from triggering situations
• What are emotional characteristics of OCD?

  • Anxiety and distress
  • Accompanying depression
  • Guilt and disgust
• What are cognitive characteristics of OCD?

  • Obsessive thoughts
  • Cognitive coping strategies - e.g praying
  • Insight into excessive anxiety