Characteristics of OCD

Question 1

What is OCD?

Answer 1

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Anxiety disorder

2 main components:
Obsessions and compulsions

Question 2

What are the cognitive characteristics if OCD?

Answer 2

Obsessive thoughts

Intrusive thoughts +impulses
–> frightening/embarrassing
—>uncontrollable

Cognitive coping strategies
–>help manage anxiety

Awareness

Question 3

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 3

Repetitive compulsions

Compulsions used to manage anxiety

Avoidance

Question 4

What are emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 4

Anxiety
–>unpleasant emotional experience

Embarrassment + Shame
–> external or oneself

Depression
–>low mood