L11 - Characteristics Of OCD

Question 1

The behavioural characteristics of OCD (CRASH)

Answer 1

Compulsive behaviour:
- performed to reduce anxiety from obsessions
- could be mental acts like counting
- a need to perform these or else something bad will happen, creating anxiety
- patients can experience compulsions w/out obsessions
- external components that can be seen by others
Repetitive:
- repetition of behaviours as a response to obsessions
Avoidance:
- Avoiding situations reduces anxiety as they are never triggered
- can lead to further problems e.g never taking out the bin
Social impairment:
- Anxiety levels and compulsive behaviours may lead to the person being unable to conduct meaningful relationships
Hinder everyday functioning:
- Anxiety can be too high and interfere with life
- Compulsions may make them late for a job or event

Question 2

The emotional characteristics (AAG)

Answer 2

Anxiety and distress:
- the obsessions and compulsions cause anxiety and distress
- The person may know their behaviours are excessive and can cause embarrassment
Accompanying depression:
- OCD is accompanied by depression
- Anxiety is accompanied by low mood and lack of enjoyment from activities
Guilt and disgust:
- OCD involves irrational guilt over minor issues
- Disgust directed against something external

Question 3

The cognitive characteristics (UROAR)

Answer 3

Uncontrollable urges:
- performing acts they feel will reduce anxiety
Recognised as self generated:
- sufferers understand their obsessional thoughts are self invented and not inserted by others
Obsessions:
- recurrent intrusive thoughts that are inappropriate or forbidden
- they may be frightening or embarrassing and are uncontrollable + could cause anxiety
Attention bias:
- perception is focussed on the anxiety creating stimuli
- they become hyper vigilant and will look for things that justify their high anxiety levels
Realisation of inappropriateness:
- sufferers understand that their behaviours are inappropriate but cannot stop them