L11-Characteristics of OCD

Question 1

Behavioural Characteristics

Answer 1

Compulsions/Repetitive Behaviour
Avoidance

Question 2

Compulsions/Repetitive Behaviour

Answer 2

-Compulsions are repetitive actions that could seriously hinder the persons ability to perform everyday tasks.
-Compulsive behaviours reduce the anxiety that is created by obsessions
-The person feels they must perform these actions or else something dreadful will happen
-Example is constantly washing hands or checking if oven is switched off

Question 3

Avoidance

Answer 3

-Some sufferers of OCD attempt to reduce their anxiety by avoiding situations that might trigger it.
-Sufferers who wash their hands continuously might avoid coming into contact with germs by never emptying their bins.

Question 4

Emotional Characteristics

Answer 4

High Anxiety/Low Mood
Disgust/Self-Loathing

Question 5

High Anxiety/Low Mood

Answer 5

-The obsessions and compulsions are a source of considerable anxiety and distress
-Sufferers are aware that their obsessions and compulsive behaviours are excessive and this causes feelings of embarrassment and shame
-Sufferers might also be aware that they cannot consciously control their compulsive behaviours, which leads to strong feelings of distress

Question 6

Disgust/Self-Loathing

Answer 6

Feelings of disgust may be directed at the source of the obsession(germs) or they may be directed towards the self.

Question 7

Cognitive Characteristics of OCD

Answer 7

Obsessions
Insight into Excessive Anxiety
Selective Attention

Question 8

Obsessions

Answer 8

-These are persistent, intrusive, irrational thoughts that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden
-They may be frightening or embarrassing and the person might not want to share them with others
-Common obsessions include doubts(have they checked the cooker is off), impulses(shouting in public) or images
-These obsessions are not worries about everyday problems; instead they are uncontrollable and cause anxiety. They can include catastrophic thinking when people with OCD think something terrible will happen if they do not carry out their compulsions

Question 9

Insight into Excessive Anxiety

Answer 9

Most sufferers understand their compulsive behaviours and obsessive thoughts are inappropriate and irrational, but they can’t consciously control or stop them.

Question 10

Selective Attention

Answer 10

Increased awareness or source of obsession in new situations. For instance, constantly worrying about germs.