Lesson 11- The behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of OCD Flashcards
What is OCD?
- an anxiety disorder
- it is characterised by the DSM-V as a disorder whereby the patient shows repetitive behaviour (compulsions) and obsessive thinking
Behavioural characteristics of OCD
Compulsive behaviours
- repetitive and unconcealed e.g. hand washing
- could include mental acts such as counting
- patients feel they must perform acts to avoid a dreadful event
- the behaviours are external components that can be seen by others
Hinder everyday functioning
- person may not be able to hold a job
Avoidance
- they attempt to reduce anxiety by avoiding situations that might trigger e.g. people who wash their hands consistently may avoid germs
Repetitive
Social impairment
- compulsions could become so severe that they damage social relationships
Emotional characteristics of OCD
Anxiety and distress
- obsessions and compulsions are a source of anxiety and distress
- sufferers are aware of the compulsive nature of their behaviour causing feelings of embarrassment and shame
- may also be aware that they cannot consciously control their compulsive feelings leading to distress
Accompanying depression
- OCD is often accompanied by depression e.g. low mood and lack of enjoyment of activities
Guilt and disgust
- involves negative emotions such as irrational guilt over minor issues, or disgust which may be directed against something external
Cognitive characteristics of OCD
Obsessions
- internal thoughts that are perceived as forbidden
- may be frightening or embarrassing meaning the person doesn’t want to share them with others
Recognised as self generated
- most sufferers understand their impulses are self generated, not external
Realisation of inappropriateness
- they understand its inappropriate but cannot consciously stop or control them
Attention to bias
- perception tends to streamline to anxiety generating stimuli
- tend to be hyper vigilant and look for things that justify anxiety levels
