Lecture Notes: Psychopathology Series - Phobias, Depression, and OCD

Overview

• Focus on defining three psychopathologies: Phobias, Depression, and OCD.
• Characteristics divided into:
  • Behavioral: Actions related to the disorder.
  • Emotional: Feelings associated with the disorder.
  • Cognitive: Thought processes of individuals with the disorder.
• Future videos will explore disorders in detail.

Phobias

Characteristics

• Definition: Extreme and irrational fear of objects or situations.
• Examples: Arachnophobia (fear of spiders), Claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces).

Behavioral Characteristics

• Avoidance: Altering behavior to avoid phobic objects (e.g., crossing the street to avoid a pigeon).
• Panic: Uncontrollable responses; screaming, hyperventilating, running away.
• Failure to Function: Difficulty engaging in normal activities, such as socializing or working.

Emotional Characteristics

• Anxiety: High state of arousal, constant worry about future encounters.
• Fear: Intense emotional state linked to fight or flight.

Cognitive Characteristics

• Irrational Beliefs: Exaggerated perception of harm from phobic objects.
• Reduced Cognitive Capacity: Difficulty focusing on day-to-day life.

Depression

Characteristics

• Definition: Mood disorder characterized by a persistent low mood.

Behavioral Characteristics

• Lethargy: Lack of energy for normal activities.
• Anadonia: Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
• Hygiene Issues: Poor personal hygiene, noticeable to others.
• Eating Behavior: Significant weight changes.
• Aggression: Increased aggressive acts or self-harm.

Emotional Characteristics

• Sadness: Persistent low mood.
• Guilt and Helplessness: Feelings of worthlessness.

Cognitive Characteristics

• Poor Concentration: Difficulty in focusing and decision-making.
• Negative Schemas: Automatic negative thinking about self, world, future.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Characteristics

• Definition: Anxiety disorder characterized by obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors).

Behavioral Characteristics

• Compulsions: Repetitive checking behaviors (e.g., locking doors, cleaning).
• Avoidance: Avoiding triggers to obsessive thoughts, leading to social impairment.

Emotional Characteristics

• Anxiety: Extreme anxiety from obsessive thoughts.
• Depression: Result of inability to control anxiety and symptoms.

Cognitive Characteristics

• Obsessions: Intrusive, irrational thoughts about dangers.
• Hyper-vigilance: Constant alertness to potential threats.
• Selective Attention: Focused only on obsession-related objects.

Conclusion

• The lecture introduces basic definitions and characteristics of phobias, depression, and OCD.
• Future content will explore treatments and detailed examination of each disorder.

Additional Resources

• Over 170 videos available at psychboost.com for further study.
• Patreon supporters get access to bonus resources, tutorials, and a Discord channel.

Acknowledgements

• Thanks to Patreon supporters for enabling part-time teaching and resource creation.