Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Flashcards
What is OCD?
Condition categorised by obsessions or compulsive behaviour obsessions are cognitive whereas compulsions are behaviour
what is behavioural?
ways in which people act
what is emotional?
related to a persons feeling or mood
what is cognitive?
process of knowing including thinking reasoning remembering and believing
explain behavioural characteristics of OCD?
Compulsions are repetitive – they often repeat a behaviour for example handwashing. other examples include counting, praying and tidying.Also, ordering groups of objects such as containers in a food cupboard
Compulsions reduce anxiety – 10% of people with OCD show compulsive behaviour alone they just have a irrational anxiety. Compulsive behaviours are performed to manage the anxiety for example, compulsive hand washing is carried for the fear of germs. compulsive checking is to check if the door is locked in response that we might have left it unsecured.
Avoidance - they might avoid situations that trigger it for example, they might stop emptying their bins to avoid coming in contact with germs. This can interfere with regular life.
How does the cycle of OCD go?
Obsessive thought – anxiety – compulsive behaviour – temporary relief
evaluate emotional characteristics of OCD?
Anxiety and distress – it is an unpleasant emotion because of the powerful anxiety that accompanies OCD, obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening and anxiety that goes with this can be overwhelming. The urge to repeat a behaviour creates anxiety.
Accompanying depression – OCD is often accompanied with depression so anxiety is accompanied by low mood and lack of enjoyment activities
Guilt and discussed – OCD comes with negative emotions such as rational guilt
evaluate cognitive characteristics of OCD?
Obsessive thoughts – 90% of people with OCD have obsessive thoughts that recur over and over again but these are always unpleasant. Examples are always being contaminated with dirt and germs or the door being left unlocked.
Cognitive coping strategies – they might respond by adopting cognitive coping strategies for example, a religious person might pray as they are tormented by obsessive guilt this helps manage anxiety
Insight into excessive anxiety – people with OCD experience catastrophic thoughts about the worst case scenario . This tends to be hypervigilant i.e. maintain constant alertness and keep attention focused.
