This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Describe the nature of obsessions and compulsions in obsessive-compulsive disorder, and explain how ... (Read 127 times)

xclash

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 681
Describe the nature of obsessions and compulsions in obsessive-compulsive disorder, and explain how they differ from
 
  their functional relationship?
 
  Answer:

Question 2

Define phobia. Describe the difference between a phobia and a normal fear. Give an example of the difference between a phobia and a normal fear.
 
  Answer:



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

isabelt_18

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 342
Answer to Question 1

Obsessions are repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images or impulses that may seem silly or crazy, are anxiety-provoking, and are resisted strongly but unsuccessfully. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that are used to reduce anxiety, especially the anxiety associated with the obsessions, and that do not produce any pleasure. Most patients with OCD show both obsessions and compulsions, but this is not necessary for the diagnosis. The person must recognize that the obsessions or compulsions are excessive or unreasonable. What's more, the thoughts must not be simply excessive worries about real problems. Most normal people (80-90 experience obsessive thoughts at times. Research suggests that the difference between normal obsessions and clinical obsessions is a matter of degree. In most cases, it would appear that the obsessive thoughts come first and that the compulsive behaviors are often an attempt to cope with the anxiety provoked by the obsessive thoughts.

Answer to Question 2

(1) A phobia is a persistent, irrational narrowly defined fear that is associated with a specific object or situation. (2) In contrast to a normal fear, phobia involves attempts to avoid an object that others do not find dangerous. (3) A person who fears cats may prefer not to be around them, and may show physiological arousal when close to a cat; a person who is phobic of cats would have an immediate fear reaction upon seeing a cat, and the person's attempts to avoid getting closer to the cat might interfere with whatever the person was doing at the time.





 

Did you know?

The most dangerous mercury compound, dimethyl mercury, is so toxic that even a few microliters spilled on the skin can cause death. Mercury has been shown to accumulate in higher amounts in the following types of fish than other types: swordfish, shark, mackerel, tilefish, crab, and tuna.

Did you know?

In 1886, William Bates reported on the discovery of a substance produced by the adrenal gland that turned out to be epinephrine (adrenaline). In 1904, this drug was first artificially synthesized by Friedrich Stolz.

Did you know?

About 3.2 billion people, nearly half the world population, are at risk for malaria. In 2015, there are about 214 million malaria cases and an estimated 438,000 malaria deaths.

Did you know?

Lower drug doses for elderly patients should be used first, with titrations of the dose as tolerated to prevent unwanted drug-related pharmacodynamic effects.

Did you know?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in overdose can seriously damage the liver. It should never be taken by people who use alcohol heavily; it can result in severe liver damage and even a condition requiring a liver transplant.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library