L11 The Behavioural, Emotional And Cognitive Characteristics Of OCD

Question 1

Diagnosis of OCD ?

Answer 1

• anxiety disorder
• characterised by DSM -V as a disorder whereby patients show repetitive behaviour (compulsions0 and obsessive thinking

Question 2

The behavioural characteristics of OCD (action)

Answer 2

1) compulsive behaviour - external components that can be seen by others, used to reduce anxiety created by obsessions eg. Praying or counting, must be performed or something dreadful will happen
2) Hinder everyday functioning - repetitive behaviour that can hinder ability to perform everyday actions eg. Hand washing constantly, ability to have a job and work is affected
3) social impairment - anxiety may become so high that it means person can not conduct meaningful interpersonal relationships
4) Repetitive - compelled to repeat behaviours over and over again eg. Wash hands due to feeling dirty
5) Avoidance - attempt to reduce anxiety by avoiding situations that may trigger it eg. Germs, never empty bins

Question 3

The emotional characteristics of OCD (feeling)

Answer 3

1) anxiety and distress - obsessions and compulsions are a source for considerable anxiety and distress. Feeling of embarrassment, distress and shame are common due to excessive nature
2) Accompanying guilt - OCD often accompanied by depression. Low mood and lack of enjoyment. My relief by compulsive behaviours is temporary
3) Guilt and disgust - irrational guilt over minor issues or disgust directed against self or external issues like dirt

Question 4

Cognitive characteristics of OCD (thinking)

Answer 4

1) obsessions - internal, recurrent, intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden. Thoughts may be frightening or embarrassing. Obsession eg. Have you turned off over. Impulses eg. Swear in public. Images eg. Sexual.
2) Recognised as self generated - not inserted externally
3) Realisation of inappropriateness
4) Attention bias - pay more attention to stimuli that created anxiety