The behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of phobias, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Phobia definition

A phobia is an extreme, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or concept that triggers intense anxiety and is classified as an anxiety disorder.

Behavioural characteristics of phobias

• avoidance (behavioural adaptations made to prevent encountering the phobic object or situation)

• panic (an uncontrollable physical response such as screaming, escaping, or hyperventilating)

• failure to function (inability to conduct normal necessary behaviours due to excessive thoughts of the phobia and/or avoidance).

Emotional characteristics of phobias

• anxiety (an uncomfortable high arousal state that inhibits relaxation and pleasurable emotions. Thought is focused on a future encounter with the phobic object or situation)

• fear (an intense emotional state of panic linked to physiological fight or flight response when presented with the phobic object or situation).

Cognitive characteristics of phobias

•  irrational beliefs (sufferers overstate the potential danger of the phobic object or importance of the social situation)

• reduced cognitive capacity (sufferers focus their attention on the phobic object to the extent that it interferes with other tasks).

Three sub-types of phobias

• simple/specific phobias (fears of objects)

• social phobias (fear of social interactions that could cause rejection or embarrassment)

• agoraphobia (fear of leaving a safe environment)

OCD Definition

anxiety disorder defined by obsessions (constant intrusive thoughts, usually concerning contamination or safety) and compulsions (repetitive behavioural responses to the obsessions)

Behavioural characteristics of OCD

• compulsions (these often involve checking behaviour such as repeatedly testing the lights and checking that the door is locked, and ritual behaviour such as constant hand washing, and hoarding),

• avoidance (sufferers avoid behaviour that may lead to obsessive thoughts so may stop using public toilets for fear of germs)

• social impairment (unable to take part in normal relationships due to excessive anxiety).

Emotional characteristics of OCD

• extreme anxiety (caused by the constant presence of the persistent obsessive thoughts and the fear associated with them. Also attempting to resist the urge to carry out compulsions can cause anxiety)

• distress/depression (low mood due to not being able to engage in enjoyable activities and a feeling of not being in control of own behaviour).

Cognitive characteristics of OCD

• recurrent thoughts (intrusive unpleasant thoughts that are anxiety-producing. Often of the worst case scenario or something else that distresses the person)

• understanding the irrationality (sufferers know that the worst case scenarios imagined by their catastrophic thinking are unlikely, but are still unable to control them).

Depression definition

a category of mood disorders, which is often divided into two main types: unipolar and bipolar depression, otherwise known as manic-depression.

Behavioual characteristics of depression

• weight loss or gain (appetite is reduced or increases)

• low energy (lack of desire to participate in normally enjoyable activities such as sex, exercise, and socialising)

• self harm (this may be injuring such as cutting or, in extreme situations, suicide)

• poor personal hygiene (low motivation to keep themselves or their environments clean and tidy).

Emotional characteristics of depression

• sadness (persistent intense lowered mood is the defining feature of depression)

• reduced self worth (feelings of guilt, helplessness, or low self esteem).

Cognitive characteristics of depression

• poor concentration (difficulty in keeping attention on tasks and indecisiveness)

• persistent concern (thoughts biased towards a negative perspective of events and outcomes).

Unipolar/major depression stats

Unipolar/major depression effects 25% of women and 12% of men during their lifetimes, and includes only depressive episodes

bipolar/manic depression stats

Bipolar/manic depression affects 2% of people. They also have manic episodes where they have high energy and high moods, engage in risk-taking behaviour, and potentially have delusions.