Characteristics of phobias, depression, and OCD

• What three psychopathologies are focused on in this unit?

  Phobias, depression, and OCD
• What are the three characteristics used to describe phobias, depression, and OCD?

  • Behavioral characteristics
  • Emotional characteristics
  • Cognitive characteristics
• What is a common behavior associated with phobias?

  Avoidance of the phobic object
• What is Arachnophobia?

  A fear of spiders
• What is claustrophobia?

  A fear of enclosed spaces
• What is avoidant behavior in the context of phobias?

  Physically adapting behavior to avoid phobic objects
• What is a physical display of panic associated with phobias?

  Uncontrollable physical response to phobic objects
• What might happen to someone with a serious phobia in their daily life?

  They may fail to function normally
• What emotional characteristic is associated with phobias?

  Anxiety is a common emotional characteristic
• How does anxiety affect people with phobias?

  They constantly think about future encounters
• What is the emotional aspect of panic in phobias?

  Fear is an intense emotional state
• What cognitive characteristic do phobia sufferers exhibit?

  Exaggerated belief in harm from phobic objects
• How do phobia sufferers' thoughts affect their daily life?

  They struggle to focus on daily tasks
• What are the behavioral characteristics of depression?

  • Change in activity level
  • Lethargy and lack of energy
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Changes in eating behavior
  • Possible increase in aggressive acts
• What is anhedonia in the context of depression?

  Inability to enjoy previously enjoyable activities
• What is a defining emotional characteristic of depression?

  Persistent low mood and sadness
• What cognitive characteristic is common in people with depression?

  Negative schemas about themselves and the world
• What are the behavioral characteristics of OCD?

  • Obsessions: intrusive thoughts
  • Compulsions: behavioral responses to obsessions
  • Checking behaviors (e.g., lights, doors)
  • Ritual cleaning behaviors
  • Avoidance of triggering objects or situations
• What is the emotional characteristic associated with OCD?

  Extreme anxiety due to obsessions
• What cognitive characteristic is common in OCD sufferers?

  Hyper-vigilance towards potential dangers
• What is selective attention in the context of OCD?

  Focus on objects related to obsessions
• What are the emotional and cognitive characteristics of OCD?

  • Emotional: Extreme anxiety and depression
  • Cognitive: Obsessions and hyper-vigilance