Characteristics of Phobias

What are phobias?

An extreme and irrational fear of objects (specific phobias), or when it comes to social phobias, to some situations. Two of the more commonly known phobias are arachnophobia, a fear of spiders and claustrophobia, a fear of enclosed spaces

What are the 3 behavioural characteristics of phobias?

• Avoidance

• Panic

• Failure to function

What are the 2 emotional characteristics of phobias?

• Anxiety

• Fear

What are the 2 cognitive characteristics of phobias?

• Irrational thoughts (fears)

• Reduced cognitive capacity

BC — Avoidance

Physically adapting normal behaviour to avoid phobic objects (eg crossing the street)

BC - Panic

An uncontrollable physical response, and it’s most likely to happen at the sudden appearance of the phobia object (eg screaming, hyperventilating, running)

BC -Failure to Function

Difficulty taking part in activities required to perform a normal life (eg going to work/education/social events)

EC - Anxiety

An uncomfortably high and persistent state of arousal, making it difficult to relax. Heightened anxiety when the individual is likely to encounter the phobia

EC - Fear

An intense emotional state linked to the fight-or-flight response, a sensation of extreme and unpleasant alertness in the presence of the phobia that only subsides when the phobic object is removed

CC - Irrational Thoughts (fears)

Negative and irrational mental processes that include exaggerated belief in the harm the phobic object could cause them

CC - Reduced Cognitive Capacity

People with a phobia cannot concentrate on day-to-day activities such as work due to the excessive attentional focus on the phobic objects and constant concerns about potential danger they feel they are in