psychopathology - OCD

Question 1

define OCD

Answer 1

condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour.

Question 2

what are obsessions

Answer 2

cognitive

Question 3

what are compulsions

Answer 3

behavioural

Question 4

what other disorders are recognised alongside OCD by the DSM-5

Answer 4

2) Trichotillomania – compulsive hair-pulling.

3) Hoarding disorder – the compulsive gathering of possessions and the inability to part with anything, regardless of its value.

4) Excoriation disorder – compulsive skin-picking.

Question 5

behavioural characteristics

Answer 5

1) COMPULSIONS ARE REPETITIVE
- feel compelled to repeat a behaviour.

2) COMPULSIONS REDUCE ANXIETY
compulsions performed in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions.
10% of people with OCD show compulsive behaviour

3) AVOIDANCE - avoiding situations that trigger anxiety.

Question 6

emotional characteristics

Answer 6

1) ANXIETY AND DISTRESS - powerful anxiety that accompanies obsessions and compulsions

2) ACCOMPANYING DEPRESSION
- OCD is often accompanied by depression

3) GUILT AND DISGUST - irrational guilt, for example over minor moral issues, or disgust, which may be directed against something external like dirt or towards oneself.

Question 7

cognitive characteristics

Answer 7

1) OBSESSIVE THOUGHTS
- recurring intrusive thoughts, always unpleasant. 90%

2) COGNITIVE COPING STRATEGIES
deal with the obsessions.

3) INSIGHT INTO EXCESSIVE ANXIETY
aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational.
still experience catastrophic thoughts.
hypervigilant