Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 1

What is OCD characterised by?

Answer 1

repetitive behaviours accompanied by obsessive thinking

Question 2

What are examples of OCD?

Answer 2

Trichotillomania- compulsive hair-pulling
Hoarding- compulsive gathering of possessions and inability to part
Excoriation- compulsive skin-picking

Question 3

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 3

Compulsions are repetitive- feeling compelled to repeat a behaviour
Compulsions reduce Anxiety- general sense of irrational anxiety, compulsions performed to manage and relieve anxiety produced by obsessions
Avoidance- avoiding situations that may provoke the anxiety

Question 4

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 4

Anxiety and Distress- unpleasant emotional experience because of powerful anxiety that accompanies obsessions and compulsions
Depression- anxiety accompanied with low mood and lack of enjoyment
Guilt and Disgust- irrational guilt or disgust directed against external stimuli

Question 5

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 5

Obsessive Thoughts- thoughts that continually recur
Coping Strategies- adopt cognitive coping strategies to mange obsessions
Insight into Excessive Anxiety- aware obsessions and compulsions are not rational