Characteristics OCD/ PHOBIAS/ DEPRESSION

• What are the 3 behavioural characteristics of phobias?

  Endurance, avoidance, panic.
• What is panic

  A person may panic in the presence of the phobic stimulus. May involve crying, screaming and running away.
• What is avoidance (phobias)

  The person makes an effort to avoid coming into contact with the phobic stimulus. Eg fear of public toilets = less time out in public
• What is endurance?

  When the person chooses to remain in the presence of the phobic stimulus. eg) staying in same room
• What are the 3 emotional characteristics of phobias?

  Fear, anxiety, emotional response unreasonable
• What is anxiety?

  An unpleasant state of high arousal
• What is fear?

  The immediate and extremely unpleasant response we experience when we encounter or think about a phobic stimulus
• What is emotional response is unreasonable?

  The anxiety/fear is disproportionate to any threat posed
• What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?

  Selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, cognitive distortions
• What is Selective attention to phobic stimulus?


  A person finding it hard to draw attention away form phobic stimulus
• What are irrational beliefs?

  Unfounded beliefs of the phobic stimulus.
• What are cognitive distortions?

  Cognitive distortions are irrational and exaggerated thoughts or beliefs about a phobic stimulus.
• What are the 3 behavioural characteristics to depression?

  Disruption to sleep/eating, activity levels increased/decreased , aggression and self-harm
• What are the 3 emotional characteristics of depression?

  Lowered mood, Anger, low self esteem
• What are the 3 cognitive characteristics of depression?

  Poor concentration, Dwelling on negative, absolutist thinking
• What are the 3 behavioural characteristics of OCD?

  Repetitive compulsions , Anxiety reducing compulsions, avoidance.
• What are the 3 emotional characteristics of OCD?

  Anxiety/distress, accompanying depression, guilt/disgust