Characteristics of OCD

Question 1

What is OCD?

Answer 1

OCD is classed as a type of anxiety disorder in diagnostic manuals e.g. the DSM and ICD – what are these?
The condition is characterised by obsessions and compulsions:
Obsessions (internal component): Persistent, recurrent, intrusive, unpleasant thoughts.
Compulsions (external component): Repetitive, ritualistic behaviours (generally in response to obsessions – to reduce anxiety).
OCD occurs in about 2% of the population.

Question 2

emotional Characteristics of OCD

Answer 2

Extreme anxiety: Obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening; the urge to repeat a behaviour (compulsions) causes high levels of distress.
Guilt and disgust: Sufferers experience feelings of embarrassment, shame, guilt and disgust as they know that their behaviour is excessive.

Question 3

behavioural Characteristics of OCD

Answer 3

Compulsions are repetitive: Repeating behaviours/mental acts in response to obsessive thoughts e.g. hand-washing, checking, counting.
Hinder everyday functioning: e.g. being unable to work effectively.

Question 4

Cognitive Characteristics of OCD

Answer 4

Obsessive thoughts: Recurrent and persistent thoughts, of an intrusive and unpleasant nature; catastrophic thoughts about worst case scenarios.
Hypervigilance and selective attention: Sufferers maintain constant alertness and keep attention focused on hazards.
Insight into irrational obsessions and compulsions: Sufferers understand that they are inappropriate, but are unable to consciously control them.

Question 5

Common obsessions include:

Answer 5

Contamination e.g. germs
Perfectionism e.g. fear of not being the best
Fear of losing control e.g. hurting others

Question 6

Common compulsions include:

Answer 6

Excessive washing and cleaning e.g. hand-washing
Excessive checking e.g. that doors are locked
Mental compulsions e.g. praying, counting