4.2: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Question 1

OCD

Answer 1

OCD is an anxiety disorder characterised by:

1. Persistent, recurrent, unpleasant thoughts (obsessions)
2. Repetitive, ritualistic behaviours (compulsions)

Question 2

OCD is an anxiety disorder characterised by persistent, recurrent, unpleasant thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviours (compulsions).
What is the OCD cycle?

Answer 2

The OCD cycle is:

Obsessions —> Anxiety —> Compulsions —> Relief —> Obsessions

Question 3

OCD is an anxiety disorder characterised by persistent, recurrent, unpleasant thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviours (compulsions).
The OCD cycle is Obsessions —> Anxiety —> Compulsions —> Relief —> Obsessions.
What are obsessions?

Answer 3

Obsessions are persistent, recurrent, unpleasant thoughts that lead to anxiety

Question 4

OCD is an anxiety disorder characterised by persistent, recurrent, unpleasant thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviours (compulsions).
The OCD cycle is Obsessions —> Anxiety —> Compulsions —> Relief —> Obsessions.
What are compulsions?

Answer 4

Compulsions are repetitive, ritualistic behaviours

Question 5

Trichotillomania

Answer 5

Trichotillomania is compulsive hair-pulling

Question 6

Hoarding disorder

Answer 6

Hoarding disorder is:

1. The compulsive gathering of possessions
2. The inability to part with anything, regardless of its value

Question 7

Excoriation disorder

Answer 7

Excoriation disorder is compulsive skin-picking

Question 8

What do obsessions comprise?

Answer 8

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that:

1. Are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden
2. Aren’t based on reality

Question 9

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
Example

Answer 9

For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere

Question 10

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to what?

Answer 10

For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety

Question 11

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety.
What do compulsions comprise of?

Answer 11

Compulsions comprise of intense, uncontrollable urges to repetitively perform:

1. Tasks
2. Behaviours

Question 12

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety.
Compulsions comprise of intense, uncontrollable urges to repetitively perform tasks and behaviours.
Example

Answer 12

For example, washing your hands repetitively to get rid of germs

Question 13

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety.
Compulsions comprise of intense, uncontrollable urges to repetitively perform tasks and behaviours.
For example, washing your hands repetitively to get rid of germs.
What are the compulsions an attempt to do?

Answer 13

The compulsions are an attempt to:
1. Reduce distress
Or,
2. Prevent feared events

Question 14

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety.
Compulsions comprise of intense, uncontrollable urges to repetitively perform tasks and behaviours.
For example, washing your hands repetitively to get rid of germs.
The compulsions are an attempt to reduce distress or prevent feared events, even though what?

Answer 14

The compulsions are an attempt to:
1. Reduce distress
Or,
2. Prevent feared events
,even though there's little chance of them doing so

Question 15

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety.
Compulsions comprise of intense, uncontrollable urges to repetitively perform tasks and behaviours.
For example, washing your hands repetitively to get rid of germs.
The compulsions are an attempt to reduce distress or prevent feared events, even though there’s little chance of them doing so.
What do most sufferers realise?

Answer 15

Most sufferers realise that their obsessive ideas and compulsions are:

1. Excessive
2. Inappropriate

Question 16

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety.
Compulsions comprise of intense, uncontrollable urges to repetitively perform tasks and behaviours.
For example, washing your hands repetitively to get rid of germs.
The compulsions are an attempt to reduce distress or prevent feared events, even though there’s little chance of them doing so.
Most sufferers realise that their obsessive ideas and compulsions are excessive and inappropriate, but cannot do what?

Answer 16

Most sufferers realise that their obsessive ideas and compulsions are:
1. Excessive
2. Inappropriate
,but cannot consciously control them

Question 17

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety.
Compulsions comprise of intense, uncontrollable urges to repetitively perform tasks and behaviours.
For example, washing your hands repetitively to get rid of germs.
The compulsions are an attempt to reduce distress or prevent feared events, even though there’s little chance of them doing so.
Most sufferers realise that their obsessive ideas and compulsions are excessive and inappropriate, but cannot consciously control them, resulting in what?

Answer 17

Most sufferers realise that their obsessive ideas and compulsions are:
1. Excessive
2. Inappropriate
,but cannot consciously control them, resulting in even higher levels of anxiety

Question 18

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety.
Compulsions comprise of intense, uncontrollable urges to repetitively perform tasks and behaviours.
For example, washing your hands repetitively to get rid of germs.
The compulsions are an attempt to reduce distress or prevent feared events, even though there’s little chance of them doing so.
Most sufferers realise that their obsessive ideas and compulsions are excessive and inappropriate, but cannot consciously control them, resulting in even higher levels of anxiety.
What can sufferers also realise?

Answer 18

Sufferers can also realise that their compulsions are only a temporary solution

Question 19

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety.
Compulsions comprise of intense, uncontrollable urges to repetitively perform tasks and behaviours.
For example, washing your hands repetitively to get rid of germs.
The compulsions are an attempt to reduce distress or prevent feared events, even though there’s little chance of them doing so.
Most sufferers realise that their obsessive ideas and compulsions are excessive and inappropriate, but cannot consciously control them, resulting in even higher levels of anxiety.
Sufferers can also realise that their compulsions are only a temporary solution, but have no other way of doing what?

Answer 19

Sufferers can also realise that their compulsions are only a temporary solution, but have no other way of coping

Question 20

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety.
Compulsions comprise of intense, uncontrollable urges to repetitively perform tasks and behaviours.
For example, washing your hands repetitively to get rid of germs.
The compulsions are an attempt to reduce distress or prevent feared events, even though there’s little chance of them doing so.
Most sufferers realise that their obsessive ideas and compulsions are excessive and inappropriate, but cannot consciously control them, resulting in even higher levels of anxiety.
Sufferers can also realise that their compulsions are only a temporary solution, but have no other way of coping, so rely on them as what?

Answer 20

Sufferers can also realise that their compulsions are only a temporary solution, but have no other way of coping, so rely on them as a short-term solution

Question 21

Obsessions comprise intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden and aren’t based on reality.
For example, being convinced that germs lurk everywhere, which leads to feelings of extreme anxiety.
Compulsions comprise of intense, uncontrollable urges to repetitively perform tasks and behaviours.
For example, washing your hands repetitively to get rid of germs.
The compulsions are an attempt to reduce distress or prevent feared events, even though there’s little chance of them doing so.
Most sufferers realise that their obsessive ideas and compulsions are excessive and inappropriate, but cannot consciously control them, resulting in even higher levels of anxiety.
Sufferers can also realise that their compulsions are only a temporary solution, but have no other way of coping, so rely on them as a short-term solution.
What can compulsions also include?

Answer 21

Compulsions can also include avoiding situations that trigger obsessive ideas

Question 22

What can the symptoms of OCD do?

Answer 22

The symptoms of OCD can overlap with other conditions

Question 23

The symptoms of OCD can overlap with other conditions, such as what?

Answer 23

The symptoms of OCD can overlap with other conditions, such as:

1. Tourette’s syndrome
2. Autism

Question 24

The symptoms of OCD can overlap with other conditions, such as Tourette’s syndrome and autism.
What has this led some to do?

Answer 24

This has led some to question whether OCD really exists as a separate disorder

Question 25

A sufferer’s obsessions and compulsions become very time-consuming, thus doing what?

Answer 25

A sufferer’s:
1. Obsessions
2. Compulsions
become very time-consuming, thus interfering with the ability to conduct everyday activities

Question 26

A sufferer’s obsessions and compulsions become very time-consuming, thus interfering with the ability to conduct everyday activities.
OCD occurs in about 2% of the population, with no gender differences in what?

Answer 26

OCD occurs in about 2% of the population, with no gender differences in the prevalence of the disorder

Question 27

A sufferer’s obsessions and compulsions become very time-consuming, thus interfering with the ability to conduct everyday activities.
OCD occurs in about 2% of the population, with no gender differences in the prevalence of the disorder, but what are there gender differences in?

Answer 27

OCD occurs in about 2% of the population, with no gender differences in the prevalence of the disorder, but there are gender differences in the types of OCD suffered

Question 28

A sufferer’s obsessions and compulsions become very time-consuming, thus interfering with the ability to conduct everyday activities.
OCD occurs in about 2% of the population, with no gender differences in the prevalence of the disorder, but there are gender differences in the types of OCD suffered.
What are more common in females?

Answer 28

Preoccupations with:
1. Contamination
2. Cleaning
are more common in females

Question 29

A sufferer’s obsessions and compulsions become very time-consuming, thus interfering with the ability to conduct everyday activities.
OCD occurs in about 2% of the population, with no gender differences in the prevalence of the disorder, but there are gender differences in the types of OCD suffered.
Preoccupations with contamination and cleaning are more common in females, while what do males focus more on?

Answer 29

1. Preoccupations with contamination and cleaning are more common in females
   ,while
2. Males focus more on religious and sexual obsessions

Question 30

A sufferer’s obsessions and compulsions become very time-consuming, thus interfering with the ability to conduct everyday activities.
OCD occurs in about 2% of the population, with no gender differences in the prevalence of the disorder, but there are gender differences in the types of OCD suffered.
Preoccupations with contamination and cleaning are more common in females, while males focus on religious and sexual obsessions.
Why is OCD more common among male children than females?

Answer 30

OCD is more common among male children than females, because males tend to have an earlier, gradual onset with more severe symptoms

Question 31

A sufferer’s obsessions and compulsions become very time-consuming, thus interfering with the ability to conduct everyday activities.
OCD occurs in about 2% of the population, with no gender differences in the prevalence of the disorder, but there are gender differences in the types of OCD suffered.
Preoccupations with contamination and cleaning are more common in females, while males focus on religious and sexual obsessions.
OCD is more common among male children than females, because males tend to have an earlier, gradual onset with more severe symptoms.
What do females generally have?

Answer 31

Females generally have a later, sudden onset with fewer symptoms

Question 32

What are the behavioural characteristics of obsessions?

Answer 32

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are:

1. Avoidance
2. Hindered everyday functioning
3. Social impairment

Question 33

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Compulsive behaviour:
How many elements are there to compulsive behaviour?

Answer 33

There are 2 elements to compulsive behaviour:

1. Compulsions are repetitive
2. Compulsions reduce anxiety

Question 34

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Compulsive behaviour:
There are 2 elements to compulsive behaviour - Compulsions are repetitive and compulsions reduce anxiety.
Compulsions are repetitive:
Typically, what do sufferers of OCD feel compelled to do?

Answer 34

Typically, sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour

Question 35

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Compulsive behaviour:
There are 2 elements to compulsive behaviour - Compulsions are repetitive and compulsions reduce anxiety.
Compulsions are repetitive:
Typically, sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour.
What is a common example?

Answer 35

A common example is hand washing

Question 36

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Compulsive behaviour:
There are 2 elements to compulsive behaviour - Compulsions are repetitive and compulsions reduce anxiety.
Compulsions are repetitive:
Typically, sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour.
A common example is hand washing.
What do other common compulsive repetitions include?

Answer 36

Other common compulsive repetitions include:
1. Counting
2. Tidying/ordering groups of objects
Or,
3. Praying

Question 37

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Compulsive behaviour:
There are 2 elements to compulsive behaviour - Compulsions are repetitive and compulsions reduce anxiety.
Compulsions are repetitive:
Typically, sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour.
A common example is hand washing.
Other common compulsive repetitions include counting, tidying/ordering groups of objects or praying.
Compulsions reduce anxiety:
What % of sufferers of OCD show compulsive behaviours alone?

Answer 37

Around 10% of sufferers of OCD show compulsive behaviours alone

Question 38

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Compulsive behaviour:
There are 2 elements to compulsive behaviour - Compulsions are repetitive and compulsions reduce anxiety.
Compulsions are repetitive:
Typically, sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour.
A common example is hand washing.
Other common compulsive repetitions include counting, tidying/ordering groups of objects or praying.
Compulsions reduce anxiety:
Around 10% of sufferers of OCD show compulsive behaviours alone.
What does this mean?

Answer 38

This means that they have:

1. No obsessions
2. Just a general sense of irrational anxiety

Question 39

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Compulsive behaviour:
There are 2 elements to compulsive behaviour - Compulsions are repetitive and compulsions reduce anxiety.
Compulsions are repetitive:
Typically, sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour.
A common example is hand washing.
Other common compulsive repetitions include counting, tidying/ordering groups of objects or praying.
Compulsions reduce anxiety:
Around 10% of sufferers of OCD show compulsive behaviours alone.
This means that they have no obsessions and just a general sense of irrational anxiety.
However, for the majority, why are compulsive behaviours performed?

Answer 39

For the majority, compulsive behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions

Question 40

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Compulsive behaviour:
There are 2 elements to compulsive behaviour - Compulsions are repetitive and compulsions reduce anxiety.
Compulsions are repetitive:
Typically, sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour.
A common example is hand washing.
Other common compulsive repetitions include counting, tidying/ordering groups of objects or praying.
Compulsions reduce anxiety:
Around 10% of sufferers of OCD show compulsive behaviours alone.
This means that they have no obsessions and just a general sense of irrational anxiety.
However, for the majority, compulsive behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions.
Example

Answer 40

For example:

1. Compulsive hand washing is carried out as a response to an obsessive fear of germs
2. Compulsive checking of doors is in response to the obsessive thought that it might have been left unsecured

Question 41

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Avoidance:
Sufferers of OCD tend to try to manage their OCD by avoiding what situations?

Answer 41

Sufferers of OCD tend to try to manage their OCD by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety

Question 42

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Avoidance:
Sufferers of OCD tend to try to manage their OCD by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety.
Example

Answer 42

For example, sufferers who wash compulsively may avoid coming into contact with germs

Question 43

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Avoidance:
Sufferers of OCD tend to try to manage their OCD by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety.
For example, sufferers who wash compulsively may avoid coming into contact with germs.
However, what can this avoidance lead people to do?

Answer 43

This avoidance can lead people to avoid very ordinary situations

Question 44

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Avoidance:
Sufferers of OCD tend to try to manage their OCD by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety.
For example, sufferers who wash compulsively may avoid coming into contact with germs.
However, this avoidance can lead people to avoid very ordinary situations, such as what?

Answer 44

This avoidance can lead people to avoid very ordinary situations, such as emptying their rubbish bins

Question 45

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Avoidance:
Sufferers of OCD tend to try to manage their OCD by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety.
For example, sufferers who wash compulsively may avoid coming into contact with germs.
However, this avoidance can lead people to avoid very ordinary situations, such as emptying their rubbish bins, and this can in itself do what?

Answer 45

This avoidance can lead people to avoid very ordinary situations, such as emptying their rubbish bins, and this can in itself interfere with leading a normal life

Question 46

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
2. Hindered everyday functioning:
Having obsessive ideas of a forbidden or inappropriate type creates such anxiety that what?

Answer 46

Having obsessive ideas of a:
1. Forbidden
Or,
2. Inappropriate
type creates such anxiety that the ability to perform everyday functions is severely hindered

Question 47

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
2. Hindered everyday functioning:
Having obsessive ideas of a forbidden or inappropriate type creates such anxiety that the ability to perform everyday functions is severely hindered.
Example

Answer 47

For example, being able to work effectively

Question 48

The behavioural characteristics of obsessions are avoidance, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
3. Social impairment:
Anxiety levels generated are so high that what do they do?

Answer 48

Anxiety levels generated are so high that they limit the ability to conduct meaningful interpersonal relationships

Question 49

What are the emotional characteristics of obsessions?

Answer 49

The emotional characteristics of obsessions are:

1. Extreme anxiety and distress
2. Accompanying depression
3. Guilt and disgust

Question 50

The emotional characteristics of obsessions are extreme anxiety and distress, accompanying depression and guilt and disgust.
1. Extreme anxiety and distress:
Why is OCD regarded as a particularly unpleasant emotional experience?

Answer 50

OCD is regarded as a particularly unpleasant emotional experience, because of the powerful anxiety that accompanies both:

1. Obsessions
2. Compulsions

Question 51

The emotional characteristics of obsessions are extreme anxiety and distress, accompanying depression and guilt and disgust.
1. Extreme anxiety and distress:
OCD is regarded as a particularly unpleasant emotional experience, because of the powerful anxiety that accompanies both obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessive thoughts are what and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming?

Answer 51

Obsessive thoughts are:
1. Unpleasant
2. Frightening
and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming

Question 52

The emotional characteristics of obsessions are extreme anxiety and distress, accompanying depression and guilt and disgust.
1. Extreme anxiety and distress:
OCD is regarded as a particularly unpleasant emotional experience, because of the powerful anxiety that accompanies both obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming.
The urge to do what creates anxiety?

Answer 52

The urge to repeat a behaviour (a compulsion) creates anxiety

Question 53

The emotional characteristics of obsessions are extreme anxiety and distress, accompanying depression and guilt and disgust.
2. Accompanying depression:
OCD is often accompanied by depression, so what can anxiety be accompanied by?

Answer 53

OCD is often accompanied by depression, so anxiety can be accompanied by:

1. Low mood
2. Lack of enjoyment in activities

Question 54

The emotional characteristics of obsessions are extreme anxiety and distress, accompanying depression and guilt and disgust.
2. Accompanying depression:
OCD is often accompanied by depression, so anxiety can be accompanied by low mood and lack and enjoyment in activities.
Compulsive behaviour tends to bring some relief from anxiety, but what?

Answer 54

Compulsive behaviour tends to bring some relief from anxiety, but this is temporary

Question 55

The emotional characteristics of obsessions are extreme anxiety and distress, accompanying depression and guilt and disgust.
3. Guilt and disgust:
As well as anxiety and depression, what does OCD sometimes involve?

Answer 55

As well as:
1. Anxiety
2. Depression
,OCD sometimes involves other negative emotions

Question 56

The emotional characteristics of obsessions are extreme anxiety and distress, accompanying depression and guilt and disgust.
3. Guilt and disgust:
As well as anxiety and depression, OCD sometimes involves other negative emotions, such as what?

Answer 56

As well as anxiety and depression, OCD sometimes involves other negative emotions, such as:
1. Irrational guilt over minor moral issues
Or,
2. Disgust

Question 57

The emotional characteristics of obsessions are extreme anxiety and distress, accompanying depression and guilt and disgust.
3. Guilt and disgust:
As well as anxiety and depression, OCD sometimes involves other negative emotions, such as irrational guilt over minor moral issues or disgust, which may be directed against what?

Answer 57

As well as anxiety and depression, OCD sometimes involves other negative emotions, such as:
1. Irrational guilt over minor moral issues
Or,
2. Disgust, which may be directed against something external, like dirt, or at the self

Question 58

What are the cognitive characteristics of obsessions?

Answer 58

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are:

1. Recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts
2. Cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions
3. An insight into the excessive anxiety
4. Recognised as self-generated
5. Realisation of inappropriateness
6. Attentional bias

Question 59

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
1. Recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts:
For around 90% of OCD sufferers, what is the major cognitive feature of the condition?

Answer 59

For around 90% of OCD sufferers, the major cognitive feature of the condition is obsessive thoughts

Question 60

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
1. Recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts:
For around 90% of OCD sufferers, the major cognitive feature of the condition is obsessive thoughts.
Sufferers experience constantly repeated obsessive thoughts and ideas of a what nature?

Answer 60

Sufferers experience constantly repeated:

1. Obsessive thoughts
2. Ideas of an intrusive nature

Question 61

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
1. Recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts:
For around 90% of OCD sufferers, the major cognitive feature of the condition is obsessive thoughts.
Sufferers experience constantly repeated obsessive thoughts and ideas of an intrusive nature.
These vary considerably from person to person, but are always what?

Answer 61

These vary considerably from person to person, but are always unpleasant

Question 62

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
1. Recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts:
For around 90% of OCD sufferers, the major cognitive feature of the condition is obsessive thoughts.
Sufferers experience constantly repeated obsessive thoughts and ideas of an intrusive nature.
These vary considerably from person to person, but are always unpleasant.
What are examples of recurring thoughts?

Answer 62

Examples of recurring thoughts are:
1. Certainty that a door has been left unlocked and that intruders will enter through it
Or,
2. Impulses to hurt someone

Question 63

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
2. Cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions:
Obsessions are the major cognitive aspect of OCD, but how do people also respond?

Answer 63

Obsessions are the major cognitive aspect of OCD, but people also respond by adopting cognitive coping strategies

Question 64

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
2. Cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions:
Obsessions are the major cognitive aspect of OCD, but people also respond by adopting cognitive coping strategies.
Example

Answer 64

For example, a religious person tormented by obsessive guilt may respond by:
1. Praying
Or,
2. Meditating

Question 65

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
2. Cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions:
Obsessions are the major cognitive aspect of OCD, but people also respond by adopting cognitive coping strategies.
For example, a religious person tormented by obsessive guilt may respond by praying or meditating.
This may help manage anxiety, but can do what?

Answer 65

This may help manage anxiety, but can:

1. Make the person appear abnormal to others
2. Distract them from everyday tasks

Question 66

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
3. An insight into the excessive anxiety:
People suffering from OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are not what?

Answer 66

People suffering from OCD are aware that their:
1. Obsessions
2. Compulsions
are not rational

Question 67

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
3. An insight into the excessive anxiety:
People suffering from OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are not rational.
In fact, what?

Answer 67

In fact, this is necessary for a diagnosis of OCD

Question 68

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
3. An insight into the excessive anxiety:
People suffering from OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are not rational.
In fact, this is necessary for a diagnosis of OCD.
If someone really believed that their obsessive thoughts were based on reality, then what?

Answer 68

If someone really believed that their obsessive thoughts were based on reality, then that would be a symptom of a quite different form of mental disorder

Question 69

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
3. An insight into the excessive anxiety:
People suffering from OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are not rational.
In fact, this is necessary for a diagnosis of OCD.
If someone really believed that their obsessive thoughts were based on reality, then that would be a symptom of a quite different form of mental disorder.
However, in spite of this insight, what do OCD sufferers experience?

Answer 69

In spite of this insight, OCD sufferers experience catastrophic thoughts about the worst case scenarios that might result if their anxieties were justified

Question 70

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
3. An insight into the excessive anxiety:
People suffering from OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are not rational.
In fact, this is necessary for a diagnosis of OCD.
If someone really believed that their obsessive thoughts were based on reality, then that would be a symptom of a quite different form of mental disorder.
However, in spite of this insight, OCD sufferers experience catastrophic thoughts about the worst case scenarios that might result if their anxieties were justified.
What do they also tend to be?

Answer 70

They also tend to be hypervigilant

Question 71

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
3. An insight into the excessive anxiety:
People suffering from OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are not rational.
In fact, this is necessary for a diagnosis of OCD.
If someone really believed that their obsessive thoughts were based on reality, then that would be a symptom of a quite different form of mental disorder.
However, in spite of this insight, OCD sufferers experience catastrophic thoughts about the worst case scenarios that might result if their anxieties were justified.
They also tend to be hypervigilant.
What does this mean?

Answer 71

This means that they:

1. Maintain constant alertness
2. Keep attention focused on potential hazards

Question 72

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
4. Recognised as self-generated:
Most sufferers understand that their obsessional thoughts and impulses are what?

Answer 72

Most sufferers understand that their obsessional thoughts and impulses are self-invented

Question 73

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
5. Realisation of inappropriateness:
Most sufferers understand that their obsessive thought are inappropriate, but they cannot consciously do what?

Answer 73

Most sufferers understand that their obsessive thought are inappropriate, but they cannot consciously control them

Question 74

The cognitive characteristics of obsessions are recurrent, persistent and obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with the obsessions, an insight into the excessive anxiety, recognised as self-generated, realisation of inappropriateness and attentional bias.
6. Attentional bias:
What does perception tend to be focused on?

Answer 74

Perception tends to be focused on anxiety-generating stimuli

Question 75

What do common obsessions include?

Answer 75

Common obsessions include;

1. Contamination, for example by germs
2. Fear of losing control, for example through impulses to hurt others
3. Perfectionism, for example the fear of not being the best
4. Religion, for example the fear of being immoral

Question 76

What are the behavioural characteristics of compulsions?

Answer 76

The behavioural characteristics of compulsions are:

1. Repetitive
2. Hindered everyday functioning
3. Social impairment

Question 77

The behavioural characteristics of compulsions are repetitive, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
1. Repetitive:
What do sufferers feel compelled to do as a response to their obsessive thoughts?

Answer 77

Sufferers feel compelled to repeat behaviours as a response to their obsessive thoughts

Question 78

The behavioural characteristics of compulsions are repetitive, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
2. Hindered everyday functioning:
What can the performance of repetitive, compulsive behaviours seriously disrupt?

Answer 78

The performance of repetitive, compulsive behaviours can seriously disrupt the ability to perform everyday functions

Question 79

The behavioural characteristics of compulsions are repetitive, hindered everyday functioning and social impairment.
3. Social impairment:
The performance of repetitive, compulsive behaviours can seriously affect the ability to conduct what relationships?

Answer 79

The performance of repetitive, compulsive behaviours can seriously affect the ability to conduct meaningful interpersonal relationships

Question 80

What is the emotional characteristic of compulsions?

Answer 80

The emotional characteristic of compulsions is distress

Question 81

The emotional characteristic of compulsions is distress.
1. Distress:
What can lead to strong feelings of distress?

Answer 81

The recognition that compulsive behaviours cannot be consciously controlled can lead to strong feelings of distress

Question 82

What are the cognitive characteristics of compulsions?

Answer 82

The cognitive characteristics of compulsions are:

1. Uncontrollable urges
2. Realisation of inappropriateness

Question 83

The cognitive characteristics of compulsions are uncontrollable urges and realisation of inappropriateness.
1. Uncontrollable urges:
Sufferers experience uncontrollable urges to perform acts that they feel will reduce the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts, such as cleaning door handles to do what?

Answer 83

Sufferers experience uncontrollable urges to perform acts that they feel will reduce the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts, such as cleaning door handles to remove the threat of contamination

Question 84

The cognitive characteristics of compulsions are uncontrollable urges and realisation of inappropriateness.
2. Realisation of inappropriateness:
Sufferers understand that their compulsions are inappropriate, but cannot consciously do what?

Answer 84

Sufferers understand that their compulsions are inappropriate, but cannot consciously control them

Question 85

What do common compulsions include?

Answer 85

Common compulsions include:

1. Excessive washing and cleaning, for example hair brushing
2. Excessive checking, for example that doors are locked
3. Repetition, for example of bodily movements
4. Mental compulsions, for example praying in order to prevent harm
5. Hoarding, for example of magazines

Question 86

Research has suggested a what component to the cause of OCD?

Answer 86

Research has suggested a genetic component to the cause of OCD

Question 87

Research has suggested a genetic component to the cause of OCD, but what?

Answer 87

Research has suggested a genetic component to the cause of OCD, but other psychological factors are also seen as making a contribution