Characteristics of OCD

Question 1

Definition of OCD according to DSM V

Answer 1

Characterized by obsessions - a cognition - (recurring thoughts) and/or complusions - a behaviour - (repetitive behaviours) => most have both

• linked to trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), hoarding disorder (complusive gathering of possession) and excoriation disorder (complusive skin pulling)

Question 2

Behavioural Characteristics of OCD

Answer 2

=> Complusions are repetitive e.g. counting or tidying/ordering objects

=> Complusions reduce anxiety + manage obsessions - checking doors w/ fear of intrusion

=> Avoidance of situations that trigger OCD

Question 3

Emotional Characteristics of OCD

Answer 3

=> Anxiety + distress due to obsessions are unpleasant/frightening and anxiety from urge to repeat behaviours

=> Guilt + disgust over moral issues of obsessions

=> Often co-morbid w/ depression - anxiety can come with low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities

Question 4

Cognitive Characteristics of OCD

Answer 4

=> Obsessive thought - 90% have unpleasant recurring thoughts e.g worries of contamination

=> Cognitive coping strategies - e.g religious sufferers may pray to cope w/ guilt which manges anxiety but interfere with tasks

=> Insight into excessive anxiety - aware Os + Csare irrational - crucial for diagnosis if not may be diff illness