Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Question 1

Describe repetitive nature of compulsions

Answer 1

1. Compelled to repeat a behaviour

2. Such as grouping objects together

Question 2

How do compulsions reduce anxiety

Answer 2

1. Majority of compulsive behaviour is to manage anxiety produced from obsessions
2. Some just show compulsion without anxiety

Question 3

Describe avoidance

Answer 3

1. Avoid situations that trigger anxiety

2. Can lead to people avoiding ordinary situations

Question 4

What are the 3 emotional characteristics of OCD

Answer 4

1. Anxiety and distress
   - urge to repeat behaviour causes anxiety
2. Accompanying depression
   - depression so low mood/ energy
   - compulsive behaviour temporarily relives this
3. Guilt and disgust
   - irrational guilt
   - disgust directed at external things such as dirt or themselves

Question 5

What are the 3 cognitive characteristics

Answer 5

1. Obsessive thoughts
2. Cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions
3. Insight into excessive anxiety

Question 6

Describe obsessive thought

Answer 6

1. 90% suffer from thoughts that repeat and repeat
2. Worrying that door isn’t locked
3. Impulses to hurt someone

Question 7

Cognitive strategies

Answer 7

1. Adopt cognitive coping strategies
2. For example: a religious person with guilt may pray a lot
3. Interrupt with life and appear abnormal

Question 8

Insight into excessive anxiety

Answer 8

1. Are aware obsessions not rational
2. In spite of insight they still imagine worst case sce
3. Hyper vigilant