OCD Flashcards
What is OCD
-condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsions
-compulsions (external) - repetitive behaviours like handwashing
-obsessions (internal) - cognition (recurring thoughts/imgs)
Eg. Hoarding disorder - compulsive gathering of possessions + inability to part w anything
Describe behavioural characteristics of OCD
-compulsive behaviour . 2 elements to this
Compulsions are repetitive
-ppl w OCD feel need to repeat behaviour (handwashing, counting, praying, tidying groups of objects)
Compulsions reduce anxiety
-10% ppl w OCD have compulsions alone
-X obsessions , just lots of irrational anxiety
-but lot of time , compulsive actions happen to control anxiety produced by obsessions
(Handwashing - response to obsessive fear of germs)
Avoidance
-OCD behaviour may be characterised by avoidance to situations that trigger anxiety to reduce it
-Handwashing - compulsively may avoid contact with germs -> interfere w normal life
Describe the emotional characteristics of OCD
Anxiety + distress
-emotionally unpleasant due to intense anxiety that comes w obsessions + compulsions
-obsessive thoughts = unpleasant
Accompanying depression
-OCD often accompanied by depression so anxiety accompanied by low mood
-compulsive behaviour tends to bring some temporary relief from anxiety
Guilt + disgust
-irrational guilt
-over minor issues or disgust directed at something
Describe the cognitive characteristics of OCD
OCD ppl usually clouded w obsessive thoughts , but adopt cognitive strategies to deal w these
Obsessive thoughts
-90% ppl w OCD , major cognitive feature is obsessive thoughts
-varies person to person
Eg worries of germs, whether door left unlocked (break in)
Cognitive coping strategies
-obsessions = major part of OCD, but strategies adopted to cope
Eg religious person tormented by guilt may respond by praying (may help anxiety but appear abnormal)
Insight into excessive anxiety
-ppl w ocd = aware of irrationality (necessary for diagnosis)
-exp catastrophic thoughts that may result if anxieties = justified
-tend to be hypervigilant - maintain constant alertness + attention on potential hazards
