mental disorders - OCD

Question 1

What is OCD?

Answer 1

• classified as an anxiety disorder

- whereby an individual has recurring thoughts and competitive behaviours that they cannot control.

Question 2

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 2

• both compulsions and obsessions are a cause of high levels of stress and anxieties
• obsessions are persistent, forbidden thoughts and ideas which may cause anxiety
• sufferers are also aware that their behaviour is excessive which causes a feeling of embarrassment and shame.

Question 3

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 3

• compulsions (repetitive behaviours) are performed to help reduce the anxiety created by obsessions
• patients feel compelled to perform these actions otherwise they may feel as though something dreadful may happen
• the behaviour is not connected in a realistic way.

Question 4

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 4

• obsessive thoughts which are recurring and persistent
• i.e germs are everywhere or religious based (immorality)
• hypervigilance/ selective attention - increased awareness of source of obsessions
• these thoughts are uncontrollable and cause anxiety though the person recognises that the thoughts are a product of their own mind.