obsessive compulsive disorder

Question 1

what does ocd stand for?

Answer 1

obsessive compulsive disorder

Question 2

what is the ocd cycle?

Answer 2

● obsessions

● anxiety

● compulsions

● relief

Question 3

what are behavioural symptoms / characteristics of ocd?

Answer 3

● compulsions: repeated behaviours that a person is compelled to do triggered by obsessions, these are external components of the disorder (e.g. repeatedly washing their hands)

● avoidance: try to reduce anxiety by avoiding situations that trigger it - can interfere with leading a normal life e.g. compulsive hand washers may avoid situations that you come into contact with germs - opening doors

Question 4

what are emotional symptoms / characteristics of ocd?

Answer 4

● low mood / anxiety leading to depression: anxiety experienced often results in low mood and loss of pleasure in everyday life because these activities are interrupted and often prevented by obsessive thoughts and repetitive compulsions

● guilt and disgust: irrational guilt or disgust over their own anxiety or obsessions, or external things: dirt

Question 5

what are cognitive symptoms / characteristics of ocd?

Answer 5

● obsessions: unwanted and recurring thoughts that a person has about something, these are internal components of the disorder e.g. obsessive thoughts about infection

● catastrophic thinking and hyper vigilance: individuals will show catastrophic thinking (i.e. worst case scenario) e.g. if i get dirty i will die and are hyper vigilant (i.e. over aware) of risks and hazards e.g. any and all potential sources of germs