Psychology-psychopathology

4 definitions of abnormalities

are deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, statistical infrequency and deviation from ideal mental health

Behavioural charicteristic’s to phobias - panic

Panic is when a person reacts to phobic stimuli which can result in a range of emotion including crying screaming or running away, children can also freeze, cling and have a tantrum in response

Behavioural characteristics to phobias - Avoidance

Unless a person is making a conscious effort to face there fear they tend to go through great effort to avoid it which can effect there day to day life

Behavioural characteristics to phobias - Endurance

The alternative response to avoidance is endurance where a person chooses to remain in the presents of there phobic stimulus

Emotional characteristics to phobias - anxiety

An unpleasant stare of high arousal which prevents a person from relaxing and makes it very difficult to experience any positive emotions

Emotional characteristics to phobias - fear

Fear is the immediate and extremely unpleasant response we experience when we encounter or think about a phobic stimulus.its usually more intense but lasts shorter periods than anxiety

Emotional characteristics to phobias emotional response is unreasonable

The entirety of fear is much greater than is ‘normal’ and is disproportionate to any threat posed

Cognitive characteristics to phobias selective attention to the phobic stimulus

If a person can see a phobic stimulus it is hard to look away from it at an

on proportion level

Cognitive charicteristic’s to phobiasirrational beliefs

A person with a phobia may hold unfounded thoughts in relation to phobic stimuli, they might have beliefs that have no basis in reality and can’t be easily explained

Cognitive characteristics to phobias Cognitive distortions

A person with a phobia may be inaccurate and unrealistic.

Behavioural characteristics of depression activity levels

Typically people with depression have reduced energy levels, making them lethargic. This typically has a knock on effect with people tending to withdraw from work, education and social life. In extreme cases this can be so extreme that people can’t get out of there bed. The opposite effect is can also occur where a person paces up and down a room and may struggle to relax

Behavioural characteristic of depression disruption to sleep and eating behaviour

Depretion is associated with changes in sleeping behaviour. A person may experience reduced sleep or an increased need for sleep. Similarly appetite and eating may increase or decrease, leading to weight gain or loss.

Behavioural characteristics of depression aggression and self harm