5.2 phobias

Define phobia

An irrational fear of an object or situation

Define behavioural characteristics

Ways in which people act

Define emotional characteristics

Related to a persons feelings or mood

Define cognitive characteristics

Refers to processes such as thinking

What are the 3 categories of phobias (DSM-5)

• specific phobia — phobia of an object or situation

• Social phobia — phobia of a social situation

• Agoraphobia — phobia of being outside or in public places

What are behavioural characteristics of phobias

• panic

• Avoidance

• Endurance

What are emotional characteristics of phobias

• anxiety

• Fear

These are disproportionate to any threat posed

What are cognitive characteristics of phobias

• selective attention

• Irrational beliefs

• Cognitive distortions