OCD Flashcards
What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD
- compulsions
- avoidance
Explain compulsions as a behavioural characteristic of OCD
Compulsions are repetitive: sufferers feel compelled to repeat a certain behaviour eg.washing hands
-performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety
explain avoidance as a behavioural characteristic of OCD
- attempt to reduce anxiety by avoiding situations that may trigger it
- eg. fear of germs means they would avoid taking out the rubbish
what is the cycle of OCD?
-obsessive thought; anxiety; compulsive behaviour; temporary relief
what are the 3 emotional characteristics of OCD?
- anxiety
- guilt
- depression
explain anxiety as an emotional explanation of OCD
-obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and are accompanied by overwhelming anxiety
explain guilt as an emotional characteristic of OCD
-sometimes they have negative emotions of guilt
explain depression as an emotional characteristic of OCD
- OCD often accompanied by depression
- low mood
- compulsive behaviour tends to bring short term relief
what are the 3 cognitive characteristics of OCD?
- obsessive thoughts
- strategies to deal with obsessions
- insight to excessive anxiety
explain obsessive thoughts as a cognitive explanation of OCD
- for 90% they have obsessive thoughts
- recur over and over again
- thoughts vary from person
explain strategies to deal with obsessions as a cognitive characteristic of OCD
- people respond to OCD by adopting coping strategies
- eg. praying helps to manage anxiety
- however makes person appear abnormal
explain insight to excessive anxiety as a cognitive characteristic of OCD
- they are aware their obsessions are not normal
- however they still experience thoughts about worse case scenarios that may happen if anxieties were justified
