CHARACTERISTICS OF OCD

Question 1

ocd

Answer 1

is an anxiety disorder and is characterised by experiencing persistent and intrusive thoughts which occur as obsessions, compulsions or sometimes both.

Question 2

Obsessions

Answer 2

• Cognitive internal intrusive thoughts e.g. there are germs everywhere and they could harm me

Question 3

Compulsions

Answer 3

• Behavioural external repetitive behaviours.
• e.g. I need to wash my hands each time I touch something to avoid the germs and getting ill

Question 4

Behavioural characteristics

Answer 4

Compulsive behaviour
Avoidance

Question 5

Avoidance

Answer 5

attempt to reduce anxiety keeping away from situations that trigger

Question 6

Example of avoidance

Answer 6

• obsessive fear of germs.
  sufferer avoid empty rubbish bin
• interfere normal life.

Question 7

Emotional characteristics of OCD

Answer 7

Anxiety and distress
Accompanying depression

Question 8

Anxiety and distress

Answer 8

unpleasant emotional experience
excessive anxiety cause both obsessions and compulsions

Question 9

Cycle of anxiety and distress

Answer 9

obsessive thoughts
unpleasant/ frightening
anxiety
urge repeat compulsion
anxiety

Question 10

Cognitive characteristics of OCD

Answer 10

• Obsessive thoughts
• insight into excessive anxiety

Question 11

Obsessive thoughts

Answer 11

• major cognitive feature e.g. thoughts recur over and over
• vary from person to person
• always unpleasant

Question 12

Insight into excessive anxiety

Answer 12

• aware obsessions and compulsions not rational
  still experience catastrophic thoughts - worst scenarios anxieties were justified
  eg. germs result catching disease/ dying
  hyper vigilant
  ie. maintain alertness and attentions focused on potential hazards

Question 13

difference between convulsion and obession

Answer 13

obsessions are repeated and unwanted thoughts that cause anxiety. whilst Compulsions are repetitive behaviors people perform to temporarily relieve this anxiety.