L11, L12, L13 Psychopathology

Question 1

L11 Diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder

Answer 1

OCD is an anxiety disorder
Characterised by DSM-V as a disorder whereby the patient shows repetitive behaviour ( complusions ) and obsessive thinking

Question 2

L11 Behavioural characteristics of OCD (action)

Answer 2

• compulsive behaviours
  performed to reduce the anxiety created by obsessions, they are repetitive and unconcealed, eg. Hand washing, or checking things
  could include mental acts, praying or counting
  patients feel they must perform these actions otherwise something dreadful may happen, creating anxiety
  some patients experience compulsions without obsessions, such as compulsively avoid certain objects such as cracks in the pavement
  behaviours external components that can be seen by others
• Hinder everyday function
  Having obsessive or inappropriate ideas creates a great deal of anxiety, this could then lead to compulsions and repetitive behaviour, washing hands over and over makes them late for work, and can seriously hinder ability to perform everyday functions, eg. Person may not be able to have a job, and work effectively
• Social impairment
  Anxiety levels created by obsessions, and performance of repetitive and compulsive behaviour might become so high, they cannot conduct meaningful interpersonal relationships

-repetitive
sufferers feel compelled to repeat behaviours over and over again, as a response to obsessive thoughts, ideas and images, eg. might have obsession about dirt, feel compelled to wash their hands over and over

-avoidance
some ocd sufferers attempt to reduce anxiety by avoiding situations that might trigger it, eg. Sufferers who wash hands continuously might avoid coming into contact with germs, so might never empty bins, leading to further problems.
they avoid situations that may cause anxiety

Question 3

L11 emotional characteristics of ocd (feelings)

Answer 3

-anxiety and distress
obsessions and compulsions are a source of considerable anxiety, sufferers are aware that compulsions and obsessions are excessive, causing feelings of embarrassment and shame.
sufferers might also be aware that they cannot consciously control compulsive behaviour, leading to strong feelings of distress

accompanying depression
OCD often accompanied by depression, anxiety may be accompanied by low mood and lack pf enjoyment of activities. compulsive behaviour tends to bring some relief from anxiety, but is temporary

guilt and disgust
OCD sometimes involve other negative emotions, eg. Irrational guilt over minor issues, or disgust which may be directed against something external like dirt or the self

Question 4

L11 cognitive characteristics of OCD thinking

Answer 4

obsessions
recurrent, intrusive thoughts or impulses that are percieved as inappropriate or forbidden
May be frightening or embarrassing and person may not want to share them with others
Common obsessions or themes = ideas, doubts, impulses, or images, and are not excessive worries abput everyday problems, but are uncontrollable and cause anxiety. Person will realise their obsessions are unreasonable
Obsessions are internal, thoughts occurring in the mind

recognised as self generated
Most sufferers understand obsessional thoughts, impulses, and images are self invented are not inserted externally by others

realisation of inappropriateness
Most sufferers understand obsessive thoughts, and compulsive behaviours are inappropriate and irrational, but cannot consciously control or stop them

attention bias
Perception tends to be focused on anxiety generating stimuli, may pay more attention to stimuli that creates anxiety, eg. piece of dust on a table that has just been cleaned, and tend to be hyper vigilant and look for things that justify high anxiety levels