OCD

Question 1

What are behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 1

Compulsions are repetitive

• Actions carried out repeatedly in a ritualistic way e.g handwriting

Compulsions reduce anxiety

• Anxiety may be created by obssessions or just anxiety alone

Avoidance

• OCD is managed by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, e.g avoid rubbish bins because they have germs

Question 2

What are emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 2

Anxiety

• Obessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming

Depression

• Low mood can lack of enjoyment

Guilt and disgust

• Irrational guilt, e.g over a minor moral issue or disgust which is directed towards oneself or something external like dirt

Question 3

What are cogntive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 3

Obssessive thoughts

• About 90% of people with OCD have recurring intrusive thoughts e.g about being contaminted by dirt or germs

Cognitive coping strategies

• Some people with OCD use strategies to cope e.g medication

Insight into excessive anxiety

• Awareness that thought and behaviour are irrational. May have catastrophic thoughts and be hyperviligant