7. OCD AO1

Question 1

What are the two behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 1

Compulsions and avoidance

Question 2

What are compulsions?

Answer 2

Actions that are carried out repeatedly E.g. hand washing, the same behaviour is repeated in a ritualistic way to reduce anxiety

Question 3

What is avoidance?

Answer 3

The OCD is managed by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, e.g. sufferers who wash repeatedly may avoid coming into contact with germs

Question 4

What are the two emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 4

Anxiety/distress and guilt/disgust

Question 5

Explain anxiety and distress

Answer 5

Obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming

Question 6

Explain guilt and disgust

Answer 6

This is Irrational guilt, for example over a minor moral issues or disgust which is directed towards oneself or something external like dirt

Question 7

What are the two cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 7

Obsessive thoughts and insight into excessive anxiety

Question 8

Explain obsessive thoughts

Answer 8

About 90% of OCD sufferers have obsessive thoughts such as recurring and intrusive thoughts about being contaminated by dirt or germs

Question 9

Explain what insight into excessive anxiety is

Answer 9

This is awareness that thoughts and behaviour are irrational, sufferers experience catastrophic thoughts and are over aware of their obsession