characteristics of phobias

• What are the three main behavioural characteristics of phobias?

  Panic, avoidance, and endurance
• What physiological response occurs during panic in phobias?

  Heightened physiological arousal due to increased activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system
• How does the hypothalamus contribute to panic in phobias?

  It triggers increased levels of activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system
• Why is avoidance behaviour negatively reinforced in phobias?

  Because it is carried out to avoid the unpleasant consequence of exposure to the phobic stimulus
• What impact does avoidance behaviour have on a patient's daily life?

  It severely impacts the patient’s ability to continue with their day-to-day lives
• What is endurance in the context of phobias?

  Endurance occurs when the patient remains exposed to the phobic stimulus for an extended period while experiencing heightened anxiety
• What are the main emotional characteristics of phobias?

  Anxiety and unawareness of the irrationality of the anxiety towards the phobic stimulus
• Why is the anxiety experienced towards the phobic stimulus considered irrational?

  Because it is not proportionate to the threat posed by the stimulus from an evolutionary perspective
• What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?

  Selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, and cognitive distortions
• What does selective attention mean in the context of phobias?

  It means that the patient remains focused on the phobic stimulus, even when it causes severe anxiety
• How do irrational beliefs contribute to phobias?

  They may cause unreasonable responses of anxiety towards the phobic stimulus due to incorrect perceptions of danger
• What are cognitive distortions in the context of phobias?

  Cognitive distortions occur when the patient does not perceive the phobic stimulus accurately, making it appear grossly distorted or irrational
• Can you give examples of specific phobias mentioned in the study material?

  Mycophobia (phobia of mushrooms) and rectaphobia (phobia of bottoms)