8. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Question 1

What is obsessive compulsive disorder?

Answer 1

OCD is an anxiety disorder characterised by persistent intrusive thoughts that create anxiety and repetitive ritualistic behaviours that reduce anxiety.

Question 2

What is the difference between obsessions and compulsions?

Answer 2

Obsession are persistent thoughts and compulsions are repetitive behaviours.
The obsessions are cognitive and the compulsions are behavioural.

Question 3

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 3

• compulsions - actions that are carried out repeatedly, e.g. Hand washing. The same behaviour is repeated as a way to reduce anxiety.
• avoidance - OCD is managed by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety e.g. Sufferers who wash repeatedly may avoid coming into contact with germs.

Question 4

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 4

• anxiety and distress - obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming
• guilt and disgust - irrational guilt, for example over a minor moral issue, or disgust may be directed towards oneself or something external like dirt.
• accompanying depression - the anxiety associated with OCD is often accompanied by depression in terms of low mood and a lack of enjoyment in activities. The compulsive acts bring some relief but it is only temporary.

Question 5

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 5

• obsessive thoughts - about 90% of OCD sufferers have obsessive thoughts e.g. Recurring intrusive thoughts about being contaminated by dirt or germs
• insight into excessive anxiety - awareness that thoughts and behaviour are irrational. In spite of this, sufferers experience catastrophic thoughts and are hypervigilant I.e. ‘Over-aware’ of their obsession

Question 6

What is the cycle of OCD?

Answer 6

Obsessive thought - anxiety - compulsive behaviour - temporary relief REPEAT

Question 7

Is this an obsession or a compulsion?

Having vivid images of partner having moments of sexual passion with their lover

Answer 7

Obsession

Question 8

Is this an obsession or a compulsion?

Flipping through television stations in a particular order before turning the set off

Answer 8

Compulsion

Question 9

Is this an obsession or a compulsion?

Wife has the idea that she might poison her husband or children

Answer 9

Obsession

Question 10

Is this an obsession or a compulsion?

Checking the lights and locks 3 times before leaving the house

Answer 10

Compulsion