Psychopathology : Describing OCD

Question 1

What are the Cognitive Characteristics of OCD? Example?

Answer 1

> OBSESSIVE THOUGHTS : unwanted, intrusive & distressing thoughts.
Example : fear of contamination by disease, infection or substance.

Question 2

What are the Emotional Characteristics of OCD?

Answer 2

> ANXIETY: obsessive thoughts are distressing, generating anxiety.
DEPRESSION: anxiety can lead to low mood and loss of pleasure in daily activities as they are interpreted by repetitive compulsions.
GUILT: example; minor moral issues such as disgust which may be directed at something external such as dirt.

Question 3

What are the Behavioural Characteristics of OCD?

Answer 3

> COMPULSIONS : repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person with OCD feels driven to perform.
Compulsive behaviours : link to compulsive thoughts. Example, handwashing in response to obsessive thoughts about germs.
Compulsive avoidance : when people with OCD alter their behaviour to avoid people / places because of their obsessions. Example, someone with an obsession with cleanliness may avoid public restrooms.

Question 4

What is the Cycle of Describing OCD?

Answer 4

&laquo_space;OBESSISIVE THOUGHTS&raquo_space; ANXIETY&raquo_space; COMPULSION&raquo_space; TEMPORARY RELIEF&raquo_space;