Mental Disorders

Question 1

Describe the emotional characteristics of phobias

Answer 1

• Fear that’s marked and persistent, likely to be excessive and unreasonable. Coupled with anxiety and panic
• These emotions are cued by the presence of anticipation of a object or situation and are out proportion to the actual danger posed.

Question 2

Describe the behavioural characteristics of phobias

Answer 2

• Avoidance when faced with object or situation that creates fear. Interferes with normal routines and marked distress about having the phobia.
• Freezing or fainting (flight, fight or freeze response). This is an adaptative response as a predator may think the prey is dead

Question 3

Describe the cognitive characteristics of phobias

Answer 3

• Irrational nature of the person’s thinking and resistance to rational arguments.
• Person recognises fear is excessive which distinguishes between phobias and delusional mental illness where they aren’t of the unreasonableness

Question 4

Describe the emotional characteristics of depression

Answer 4

• Sadness is common along with feeling empty, hopeless, worthless and/or low self-esteem
• Loss of interest in hobbies associated with feelings of despair
• Anger directed at others or oneself, may arise from feelings of being hurt and wishing to retaliate.

Question 5

Describe the behavioural characteristics of depression

Answer 5

• Shift in activity (reduced or increased). Reduced energy, tiredness and wish to sleep all the time while others may be agitated and restless, pace around a room, tear at skin or wring their hands.
• Sleep affected; much more or insomnia
• Appetite affected; reduced or more than usual

Question 6

Describe the cognitive characteristics of depression

Answer 6

• Negative thoughts; negative self-concept, guilt, sense of worthlessness
• Negative view of the world and then negative expectations about their lives when can be self-fulfilled

Question 7

Describe the emotional characteristics of OCD

Answer 7

• Obsessions and compulsions are a source of considerable anxiety
• Suffers are aware behaviour is excessive which causes embarrassment
• Common obsession with germs which gives rise to feelings of disgust

Question 8

Describe the behavioural characteristic of OCD

Answer 8

• Compulsive behaviours are performed to reduce anxiety created by obsession. They’re repetitive and unconcealed (washing hands or checking) may be mental acts (counting)
• They feel compelled to do these actions otherwise something dreadful may happen, creating anxiety
• Behaviours aren’t realistically connected with what they’re trying to prevent. Some may experience compulsive behaviours with no obsessions e.g. avoid certain objects.

Question 9

Describe the cognitive characteristics of OCD

Answer 9

• Obsessions are recurrent, intrusive thoughts that are inappropriate or frightening so the person doesn’t share them
• They are seen as uncontrollable thoughts which creates anxiety. Person recognises thoughts are a product of their own mind (rather than schizophrenia)