characteristics of disorders

• phobias - emotional


  -fear, anxiety and panic

  due to encountering or imagining the phobic stimulus

  -level of fear is irrational (out of proportion)
• phobias - cognitive


  -aware that the fear is irrational but cant change it

  -irrational beliefs about the phobic stimulus that maintain it

  -narrow focus of attention
• phobias - behavioural


  -avoidance = can interfere with everyday functioning

  -panic leading to screaming, crying, freezing, running etc)
• depression - emotional


  -loss of ability to experience pleasure

  -low mood, intense sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness

  -anxiety and anger may also be present
• depression - cognitive


  -negative thoughts + beliefs around all aspects of life

  -bias to seeing things in the worst possible light

  -poor concentration, suicidal thoughts
• depression - behavioural


  -loss of energy and motivation = withdrawal

  -more agitated state

  -changes in sleeping (insomnia/hypersomnia)

  -changes in eating
• OCD - emotional


  -anxiety and distress

  -shame caused by awareness of the irrational beliefs and behaviours but inability to stop them
• OCD - cognitive


  -obsessions = persistent + reoccurring thoughts - intrusive

  -catastrophic thinking
• OCD - behavioural


  -compulsions = ritualistic + repetitive behaviours

  (driven by the urge to reduce the anxiety)

  -avoidance