Flashcards
Phobias A01
Cards in this deck (16)
- 1Outline the genetic explanation for phobias (4).The genetic explanation for phobic disorders proposes that phobias can be inherited. The adrenergic theory suggests that everyone has a different panic threshold (the level of activation of the sympathetic ANS necessary for acute stress to be triggered). We might inherit an oversensitive fear response, which is why phobics react so strongly to the phobic stimulus. This could also explain why people don't inherit the same phobias.
- 2Outline the evolutionary explanation for phobias (4).The evolutionary approach suggests that we have evolved to have a readiness to be afraid of EEA (Environment of Evolutionary Adaptation) threats (biological preparedness). There is no point being scared after an event has occurred. It makes more adaptive sense to be scared beforehand (prepotency). For example, if an individual has a snake phobia it may pose an adaptive purpose because avoidance of the phobic stimulus means that they are less likely to be bitten by a potentially poisonous animal and can pass on their genes.
- 3Outline reliability (2).Reliability measures whether a test is consistent within itself and over time. This is important because researchers need a reliable way to assess and therefore classify the phobia in order to treat it effectively.
- 4Outline inter-rater reliability (1).Inter-rater reliability is when different raters rate something (e.g: a judgement on whether the client exceeds the clinical threshold) and compare results, looking at correlation. High agreement means that the test is reliable.
- 5Outline the test-retest (1).Test-retest is when the test is repeated with the subject after a certain amount of time has passed. The similarity of the answers is compared and if there is a high correlation then the test is reliable. This may often be carried out with diagnostic tests for phobias.
- 6Outline validity (2).Validity is concerned with how true or legitimate the results of a test are (e.g: whether the person has a specific phobia or situational phobia). It's important because the classification system should group people with the same causal symptoms and they should respond similarly to treatments.
- 7Outline comorbidity (1).Comorbidity is often an issue in the diagnosis of phobic disorders. It is when the individual has more than one disorder at the same time. This makes classification harder.
- 8Outline concurrent validity (1).Concurrent validity is when we compare a standardised measure with a new measure to make sure that the diagnosis is appropriate for the disorder.
- 9Outline anti-anxiety drugs (2).Anti-anxiety drugs serve to make the patient feel calmer in the presence of the phobic stimulus. Anti depressants may be used to regulate mood and anxiety for example.
- 10Outline SSRIs as a biological treatment for phobic disorders (4).SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor) is a common antidepressant used to treat phobias. It blocks serotonin reabsorption, which increases the amount of serotonin (a neurotransmitter linked to raised mood) in the synapse, which is available to receptors. It directly targets the amygdala within the limbic system in order to deal with abnormal serotonin levels that may have contributed to the phobic anxiety response in the first place.
- 11Outline BZs as a biological treatment for phobic disorders (4).BZs (Benzodiazepines) enhance the action of GABA (a natural stress reliever). It binds to receptors and increases the flow of chloride ions to the post-synaptic neuron because it widens the gap that they enter through. This makes the neuron more resistant to excitation and has the knock-on effect of slowing CNS (Central Nervous System) activity, reducing anxiety in the presence of the phobic stimulus. Like SSRIs, BZs target the limbic system in which abnormal levels of neurotransmitters such as GABA could be inherited, contributing to the phobic stress response.
- 12Outline CBT as a psychological therapy for phobic disorders (4).CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is based on Ellis' A (Activating event e.g: being bitten by a dog) B (Belief e.g: all dogs will bite you) C (Consequences e.g: fear and avoidance of dogs) model of how we may develop a disorder. CBT aims to dispute these faulty interpretations of the phobic stimulus. Phobics often experience catastrophic misinterpretation, where they jump to the worst conclusion; therefore altering these biases is important. It leads to self-acceptance as the patient begins to recognise a new, more positive view of the phobic stimulus. This altered perception may remove the safety-seeking behaviours that initially led to treatment.
- 13Outline SD as a psychological therapy for phobic disorders (4).SD (Systematic Desensitisation) is a behavioural therapy based on the principles of classical conditioning. The patient is gradually exposed to the phobic stimulus under relaxed conditions until the anxiety reaction is extinguished through reciprocal inhibition (teaching a behaviour incompatible with the fear response). The patient undergoes relaxation training, constructs a de-sensitisation hierarchy (e.g: starting with a picture of the phobic stimulus that approaches the full phobia) and goes through the hierarchy using reciprocal inhibition (relaxation vs fear) to master the feared situation that initially led to therapy.
- 14Outline the behavioural explanation for phobic disorders (4).The behavioural explanation for phobic disorders proposes that phobias can be acquired through learning and observation. It could be acquired through modelling for example (e.g: you scream on seeing a spider to get attention, as observed in others, but gradually learn the phobia through direct reinforcement). Phobias can also be explained through classical conditioning in which a neutral stimulus (e.g: open space) is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (e.g: stomach bug) to produce a learnt association that leads to a conditioned response (agoraphobia).
- 15Outline the psychodynamic explanation for phobic disorders (4).Freud theorised that phobias are also conscious expression of repressed conflicts in our lives. They are a result of conflict between the id and the superego so ego defence mechanisms such as displacement and repression come into play. Anxiety may be expressed via dreams or displaced onto a neutral object or situation (the phobic stimulus).
- 16Outline the clinical characteristics of phobic disorders (4).According to the DSM-5, the presence of a phobic disorder is marked by a persistent, unreasonable or excessive fear cued by the presence of or anticipation of a specific object or situation, exposure towards the phobic stimulus almost invariably provokes an instant anxiety response, the symptoms must last for at least 6 months and the avoidance, anxious anticipation or distress must significantly interference with the person's normal life.
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- A Levels Psychology (Phobias) Flashcards on Phobias A01, created by Hazel Meades on 06/10/2014.
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