Psychopathology - Characteristics of OCD Flashcards
what are the 2 key definitions of OCD
- An anxiety disorder characterised by persistent, recurrent, unpleasant thoughts and repetitive, ritualistic behaviours.
- A condition whereby a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, causing them anxiety.
Define obsessions
Recurrent, intrusive thoughts, ideas, images or impulses that an individual has great difficulty eliminating or resisting
eg, germs are everywhere
Common obsessions = contamination, losing control, perfectionism, religion
Why is the obsession problematic
The obsessions cause anxiety that is an out of proportion emotional reaction. This causes difficulty when completing everyday tasks and leading a normal life
define compulsions
Irresistible, repetitive physical or mental actions that people feel compelled to carry out.
E.g. repeatedly checking that doors are locked.
Common compulsions = excessive washing and cleaning, excessive checking, repitition, hoarding, mental compulsions
why are compulsions problematic
Individuals usually realise that the actions are unreasonable but they cannot stop doing them. They believe that by carrying out the compulsion they will prevent a dreadful consequence and can therefore reduce their distress.
what are some key points linked to OCD
- Occurs in around 2% of the population
- No real gender difference in the prevalence of the disorder
- Females more likely to be preoccupied with contamination
- Males more likely to be preoccupied with religion and sex
what are some key points linked to OCD
- Occurs in around 2% of the population
- No real gender difference in the prevalence of the disorder
- Females more likely to be preoccupied with contamination
- Males more likely to be preoccupied with religion and sex
What are the behavioural obsession characteristics of OCD
- Hinders everyday functioning
- Social impairment
Explain what is meant by hinders everyday functioning
in regards to behavioural obsession characteristics
with example
obsessions create anxiety so that everyday activities are severely affected.
eg. not going to school/ work
Explain what is meant by social impairment
in regards to behavioural obsession characteristics
with example
anxiety so high that ability to have interpersonal relationships is affected.
eg. struggling to maintain a friendship
What are the behavioural compulsion characteristics of OCD
- Hinder everyday functioning
- social impairment
- repetitive
Explain what is meant by hinders everyday functioning
in regards to behavioural compulsion characteristics
with example
performance of compulsions can severely disrupt everyday activities
eg. checking the door is locked several times might make them late for work
Explain what is meant by social impairment
in regards to behavioural compulsion characteristics
with example
performance of compulsions can affect ability to have interpersonal relationships
eg. difficult to maintains friendships
Explain what is meant by repetitive
in regards to behavioural compulsion characteristics
with example
sufferers fell compelled to repeat behaviours
eg. turning the light off several times, checking the door is locked.
What are the emotional obsession characteristics of OCD
Extreme anxiety
