Lesson 11 - OCD: Behavioural, Emotional & Cognitive Characteristics Of OCD

Question 1

Ao1: diagnosis of OCD

Answer 1

• OCD is an anxiety disorder
• It is characterised by the DSM-V as a disorder whereby the patient shows repetitive behaviour (compulsions) and obsessive thinking

Question 2

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD (action)?

Answer 2

1) compulsive behaviours
- repetitive & unconcealed
- patients feel they must perform these actions otherwise something dreadful might happen

2) hinder everyday functioning:
- compulsions & repetitive behaviour can hinder ability to perform everyday functions

3) Social impairment:
- anxiety levels created by the obsessions, and the performance of repetitive, compulsive behaviour might become so high that the person might not be able to conduct meaningful interpersonal relationships

4) Repetitive:
- Sufferers feel compelled to repeat behaviours over and over again as a response to their obsessive thoughts, ideas and images
- e.g. might have obsessions about dirt and feel compelled to wash their hands over and over again

5) Avoidance:
- Some OCD sufferers 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, so they might never empty their bins which can lead to further problems.

Question 3

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD (feelings)

Answer 3

1) Anxiety and distress:
- obsessions and compulsions are a source of considerable anxiety and distress
- Sufferers are aware that their obsessions and compulsive behaviour are excessive and this causes feelings of embarrassment and shame

2) Accompanying depression:
- OCD is often accompanied by depression
- Anxiety might be accompanied by low mood and a lack of enjoyment of activities
- Compulsive behaviour tends to bring some relief from anxiety, but this is temporary

3) Guilt and disgust:
- OCD sometimes involves other negative emotions such as irrational guilt over minor issues, or disgust which may be directed against something external like dirt or the self

Question 4

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD (thinking)?

Answer 4

1) Obsessions:
- recurrent, intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden
- may be frightening or embarrassing and the person might not want to share them with others

2) Recognised as self generated:
- sufferers understand that their obsessional thoughts, impulses and images are self invented and are not inserted externally by others

3) Realisation of inappropriateness:
- sufferers understand their obsessive thought and compulsive behaviours are inappropriate and irrational, but they cannot consciously control or stop them.

4) Attention bias:
- Perception tends to be focused on anxiety generating stimuli
- sufferer might pay more attention to stimuli that creates anxiety
- tend to be hyper vigilant and tend to look for things that will justify their high anxiety levels.