OCD

Question 1

what is OCD?

Answer 1

a condition categorised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour

Question 2

what are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 2

compulsive behaviour- repetitive (compelled, e.g. hand washing, counting, praying, etc.), an attempt to reduce anxiety (hand washing a response to obsessive fear of germs, etc.)

avoidance- reduce anxiety by keeping away from triggering situations (e.g. hand washing avoid contact with germs- can interfere w/ normal life e.g. not emptying bins)

Question 3

what are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 3

anxiety- obsessive thoughts unpleasant and frightening, overwhelming anxiety, urge to repeat behaviours creates anxiety (compulsions temporary relief)

accompanies depression- high co-morbidity w/ depression, low mood, lack of enjoyment of activities

guilt and disgust- irrational guilt e.g. over minor moral issues, disgust at e.g. germs or the self

Question 4

what are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 4

obsessive thoughts- recurring thoughts, vary from individuals but always unpleasant, e.g. worries of harming someone

cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions- e.g. religious person obsessive guilt responds by praying/meditating (abnormal to others, distracting)

insight into excessive anxiety- aware that obsessions and compulsions irrational, necessary for diagnosis, still experience ‘worst case scenario’ fears ab anxieties being justified, hyper-vigilant