OCD Flashcards
List of symptoms of OCD, with examples
Obsessions - intrusive, persistent, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress.
Examples:
- Fear of contamination: Excessive concerns about dirt, germs, viruses, or chemicals leading to compulsive cleaning or avoidance of certain places.
- Symmetry and orderliness: Needing things to be perfectly arranged or in a particular order, with distress if things are disorganized or asymmetrical.
- Unwanted taboo thoughts: Thoughts about topics that are typically considered unacceptable or morally wrong.
Compulsions - repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions.
Examples:
- Checking: Constantly checking things like locks, switches, or appliances to ensure safety.
- Cleaning and washing: Repeated hand washing, excessive cleaning of surfaces, or avoiding contact with perceived contaminants.
- Counting or repeating: Counting objects, words, or repeating specific phrases or prayers a certain number of times.
- Arranging and ordering: Rearranging or aligning objects until they feel “just right.”
How is OCD different from Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder?
OCPD is a personality disorder that is characterized by perfectionism, rigidity and need for control. Individuals with OCPD do not have intrusive thoughts or images.
What are neutralizing rituals?
Neutralizing rituals, on the other hand, are a specific type of compulsion.
They involve mental or behavioral actions aimed at negating or counteracting the distressing thoughts or preventing the feared consequences of the obsession.
