OCD

Question 1

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Answer 1

An anxiety disorder where anxiety arises from both obsessions and compulsion

Question 2

What is an obsession?

Answer 2

A persistent thought which recurs over and over again and creates anxiety (e.g. that germs are everywhere)

Question 3

What is a compulsion?

Answer 3

Repetitive behaviours carried out to reduce the anxiety created by obsessions (e.g. repeatedly washing hands to get rid of germs)

Question 4

What are the four categories of OCD recognised by the DSM- 5?

Answer 4

1. OCD – characterised by either obsessions and/or compulsions.
2. Trichotillomania – compulsive hair pulling
3. Hoarding disorder – the compulsive gathering of possessions and the inability to part with anything, regardless of its value
4. Excoriation disorder – compulsive skin picking

Question 5

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 5

Repetitive compulsions – compelled to repeat a specific unconcealed behaviours; they may be physical (e.g. hand washing) or mental (e.g. counting, tidying)

Compulsions to reduce anxiety – patients feel the need to complete these behaviours to reduce and manage the anxiety caused by obsessions

Avoidance – attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it

Question 6

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 6

Guilt and disgust – irrational guilt over minor issues or disgust at something external (e.g. dirt) or themselves

Anxiety and stress – caused by obsessions and compulsions; obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, whilst the urge to repeat a behaviour (compulsion) creates anxiety

Depression – anxiety can lead to low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities

Question 7

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 7

Obsessive thoughts – repetitive, unpleasant thoughts (such as germs are everywhere) which are seen as uncontrollable

Cognitive coping strategies – adopted to deal with obsessions, e.g. a religious person tormented by obsessive guilt may respond by praying or meditating, this may help manage anxiety but can distract from everyday tasks

Aware of excessive anxiety – comprehend that their thoughts on obsessions and compulsions are irrational, excessive or unreasonable; also tend to be hyper vigilant