Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Flashcards
What does OCD stand for?
OCD stands for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive disorder is a condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviours. Most people with a diagnosis of OCD have both obsessions and compulsions.
How does the DSM-5 categorise obsessive behaviour?
The DSM-5 recognises OCD and a range of related disorders. What these disorders all have in common is repetitive behaviour accompanied by obsessive thinking.
The DSM-5 recognises OCD and a range of related disorders. List these disorders.
- OCD
- Trichotillomania
- Hoarding disorder
- Excoriation disorder
OCD is characterised by obsessions and compulsions. Give an example of an obsession.
Recurring thoughts or images
OCD is characterised by obsessions and compulsions. Give an example of a compulsion.
Repetitive behaviours such as hand washing
What is trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania refers to compulsive hair pulling.
What is a hoarding disorder?
A hoarding disorder refers to the compulsive gathering of possessions and the inability to part with anything, regardless of its value.
What is excoriation disorder?
Excoriation disorder refers to compulsive skin picking.
What are the two behavioural characteristics of OCD?
- Compulsions
- Avoidance
Compulsions act as a behavioural characteristic of OCD. What is a compulsion?
The behavioural component of OCD is compulsive behaviour. There are two elements of compulsive behaviours:
- Compulsions are repetitive
- Compulsions reduce anxiety
Compulsive behaviour is divided into two elements, the first being that compulsions are repetitive. How does this present itself?
Compulsions are repetitive:
Typically sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour. A common example is hand washing. Other common compulsive repetitions include counting, praying and ordering group of objects.
As well as being repetitive, compulsions can also reduce anxiety. Explain how.
Compulsions reduce anxiety:
Around 10% of sufferers of OCD show compulsive behaviour alone (they have no obsessions). However, for the vast majority compulsive behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage anxiety produced by obsessions. For example, compulsive hand washing is carried out as a response to an obsessive fear of germs. Compulsive checking, for example that a door is locked, is in response to the obsessive thought that it might have been left insecure.
Avoidance is the second behavioural characteristic of OCD. How does this present itself in a sufferer of OCD?
The behaviour of OCD sufferers may also be characterised by their avoidance as they attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it. Sufferers of OCD tend to try to manage their OCD by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety. For example, sufferers who wash compulsively may avoid coming into contact with germs. However, this avoidance can lead people to avoid very ordinary situations, such as emptying their rubbish bins. As a result, avoidance can interfere with leading a ‘normal’ life.
What are the three emotional characteristics of OCD?
- Anxiety and distress
- Accompanying depression
- Guilt and disgust