Characteristics Of OCD Flashcards
What are behavioural characteristics of OCD?
Compulsion and avoidance
What is compulsion?
Refers to unwelcome thoughts urges and emotions and can make sufferers very anxious or uncomfortable. Compulsions can be repetitive and may reduce fear
What is avoidance?
Refers to a sufferers attempt to reduce anxiety by staying away from potential triggers
What does anxiety and distress refer to ?
Powerful anxiety that can accompany both obsessions and compulsions
What are emotional characteristics of OCD?
Anxiety and distress which can also be accompanied by depression and also guilt or disgust
What is accompanying depression ?
The sufferer may have a low mood or a lack of enjoyment in activities alongside anxiety
How do sufferers experience guilt
May experience irrational guilt over minor moral issues
What are cognitive characteristics of OCD?
Obsessive thoughts
What % of OCD sufferers suffer from obsessive thoughts?
90%
What is an example of a cognitive strategy for dealing with obsessions
A religious person who is tormented by irrational guilt may respond by praying or meditating
Why might coping strategies be a problem?
You may appear abnormal to others or be distracted from everyday tasks
What is some insight into OCD?
OCD sufferers are aware that their obsessions are not rational and this is key for diagnosing OCD
