Psychopathology Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is OCD?
An anxiety disorder where sufferers have obsessions/and or compulsive behaviour
3 emotional characteristics of OCD
1) Accompanying depression- OCD can be accompanied by low mood. Compulsive behaviours bring relief from anxiety, but this is only temporary.
2) Guilt and disgust- Involves irrational guilt which could be directed at self, or something like dirt.
3) Anxiety and distress- obsessive thoughts are unpleasant which can cause distress. The urge to repeat a behaviour can cause anxiety.
3 behavioural characteristics of OCD
1) Avoidance- Suffered may try to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger symptoms.
2) Compulsions reduce anxiety- e.g. compulsive hand washing in response to an obsessive fear of germs.
3) Compulsions are repetitive- e.g. washing hands, counting
3 cognitive characteristics of OCD
1) Obsessive thoughts- thoughts that recur over and over again.
2) The obsessive thoughts are not excessive thoughts about everyday problems. They are seen as uncontrollable which creates anxiety.
3) Aware of excessive anxiety- Sufferers know their obsessions and compulsions are excessive and unreasonable.
Define a phobia
A group of mental disorders characterised by high levels of anxiety in response to a stimulus. The anxiety interferes with normal living.
3 emotional characteristics of phobias.
1) Anxiety- Can be long term. Prevents an individual from relaxing.
2) Fear- A very strong emotional response directed towards the stimulus.
3) Unreasonable- feelings of anxiety, not proportionate to actual danger posed.
3 behavioural characteristics of phobias.
1) Panic- e.g. crying, screaming, running away, freezing.
2) Endurance- When a sufferer remains in the presence of the phobic stimulus but continues to experience high levels of anxiety.
3) Avoidance- Avoiding the object or situation that creates the fear. Can interfere with normal routine.
3 cognitive characteristics of phobias
1) Recognises fear is unreasonable-fear is excessive.
2) selective attention to phobic stimulus- If a sufferer sees a phobic stimulus they find it hard to look away.
3) irrational beliefs- The sufferer has strong beliefs despite evidence for example, fear of flying despite being told It is the safest form of transport.
