Which of the following is an example of the situational type of specific phobia?
A specific phobia is an extreme fear of a specific object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual danger or threat. In addition, an individual with a specific phobia is distressed about having the fear, or experiences significant interference in his or her day-to-day life because of the fear. Many people have a fear of a particular object or situation, but most of the time these would not be considered phobias. For example, a person who has an extreme fear of spiders would not have a phobia if the situation rarely arises, if he or she is not bothered by having the fear, and if the fear does not interfere with functioning. On the other hand, an individual with a fear of spiders who frequently avoids activities such as camping, going in the basement, and gardening, and has trouble sleeping at night because of a fear of encountering spiders, might have a specific phobia. Other examples of fears that might be considered phobias (assuming all the necessary criteria are met) include: Show
Official Criteria for Specific PhobiaBased on criteria from the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
Types of Specific PhobiaThe DSM-5 defines five types of specific phobias:
Causes of Specific PhobiaThe causes of specific phobias are complex, probably involving a history of negative experiences in the feared situation, other psychological factors, as well as biological factors. Learning History
Other Psychological Factors
Biological FactorsUnlike other types of anxiety disorders, there has been relatively little research on the role of biology in causing or maintaining specific phobias. Still, there is evidence that specific phobias sometimes run in families and that genetics may play a role. In addition, when a person is exposed to a feared object or situation, there are many biological changes that occur in the body, including changes in brain activity, the release of certain hormones (e.g., cortisol, insulin, growth hormone), and an increase in physical arousal symptoms (e.g., increased heart rate and blood pressure). Effective Treatments for Specific PhobiaSpecific phobias are the only anxiety disorder for which psychological treatments are almost always considered to be the best approach to treatment. There are no controlled studies showing that medications are an effective treatment for specific phobias. Psychological Treatments
Biological TreatmentsThere is very little research on the use of medications to treat specific phobias, and most experts believe that medications are not an appropriate form of treatment for this problem. Still, some individuals with specific phobias (especially those from the situational type, e.g., flying, driving) report some benefit from using either selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as paroxetine (Paxil) and similar medications, or anti-anxiety medications such as diazepam (Valium) and related drugs. However, for long term improvement, medications are no substitute for behavioral treatments such as exposure. There is probably little benefit gained over the long term from combining medications with behavioral treatments for specific phobia. What is an example of situational phobia?Such as heights, water, darkness, storms or germs. Situational phobias. Such as flying, going to the dentist, tunnels, small spaces or escalators. Body-based phobias.
Which of the following is an example of a specific phobia?Common categories of specific phobias are a fear of: Situations, such as airplanes, enclosed spaces or going to school. Nature, such as thunderstorms or heights. Animals or insects, such as dogs or spiders.
What are the 5 specific phobias?Phobia subtypes are recognized differently around the world - in the USA, the DSM-5 recognizes animal, situational, natural and blood-injection-injury as specific phobias. A fifth category is known as 'other' - this includes fear of vomiting or choking.
What are the four types for specific phobias?There are five different types of specific phobia.. Animal Type (e.g. dogs, snakes, or spiders). Natural Environment Type (e.g., heights, storms, water). Blood-Injection-Injury Type (e.g. fear of seeing blood, receiving a blood test or shot, watching television shows that display medical procedures). |