OCD

Question 1

what is OCD?

Answer 1

characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour. obsessions are cognitive whereas compulsions are behavioural

Question 2

What are the DSM-5 categories of OCD?

Answer 2

• OCD: characterised by obsessions or compulsions
• Trichotillomania: compulsive hair pulling
• Hoarding disorder: compulsive gathering of possessions and the inability to part with anything
• Excoriation disorder: skin picking

Question 3

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 3

• Anxiety and distress: both obsessions and compulsions produce powerful anxiety
• OCD often accompanied by depression
• irrational guilt and disgust directed at something external or at the self

Question 4

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 4

the behavioural component of OCD is compulsive behaviour
- Compulsions are repetitive: feel compelled to repeat a behaviour
- Compulsions reduce anxiety produced by obsessions
- Avoidance: keep away from situation that triggers anxiety

Question 5

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 5

• Obsessive thoughts
• Cognitive coping strategies: these help deal with obsessions. may help manage anxiety but can distract the person from everyday tasks
• Insight into excessive anxiety: people with OCD are aware their obsessions and compulsions are not rational. tend to be hypervigilant

Question 6

how do compulsions and obsessions differ?

Answer 6

a compulsion is a behaviour
an obsession is a cognition