PSYCHOPATHOLOGY - obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Question 1

what is OCD?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

what is compulsion?

Answer 2

Repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession

Question 3

what are the DSM-5 categories of OCD?

Answer 3

OCD - obsessions and compulsions
TRICHOTILLOMANIA -compulsive hair-pulling
HOARDING DISORDER- compulsive gathering of possessions and the inability to part with anything , regardless of its value.
EXCORIATION DISORDER - compulsive skin-picking

Question 4

explain the cycle of OCD?

Answer 4

obsessive thought causes anxiety leading to compulsive behaviour that reduces this anxiety causing temporary relief.

Question 5

what are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 5

1. COMPULSIONS ARE REPETITIVE - compelled to repeat a behaviour. eg hand-washing, praying, counting, tidying
2. COMPULSIONS REDUCE ANXIETY- compulsive behaviours are performed in attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions. eg hand washing is caused due to an obsessive fear of germs
3. AVOIDANCE - attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it. eg avoid coming in contact with germs.

Question 6

what are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 6

1.ANXIETY AND DISTRESS - obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, accompanies by anxiety. The urge to repeat a behaviour creates anxiety.

2.ACCOMPANYING DEPRESSION - low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities. compulsive behaviour brings relief to anxiety but it is temporary.

3.GUILT AND DISGUST - disgust directed at something external like dirt. irrational guilt.

Question 7

what are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 7

1. OBSESSIVE THOUGHTS - vary from person to person. Unpleasant thoughts.
2. COGNITIVE COPING STRATEGIES - eg a religious person may respond by praying or meditating. Can help manage anxiety but may make the person appear abnormal to others and can distract them from everyday tasks

3.INSIGHT TO EXCESSIVE ANXIETY - ppl w/OCD know that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational. However they still experience catastrophic thought about the worst case scenarios .