8. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in 8. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Deck (10)
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1
Q

What is obsessive compulsive disorder?

A

OCD is an anxiety disorder characterised by persistent intrusive thoughts that create anxiety and repetitive ritualistic behaviours that reduce anxiety.

2
Q

What is the difference between obsessions and compulsions?

A

Obsession are persistent thoughts and compulsions are repetitive behaviours.
The obsessions are cognitive and the compulsions are behavioural.

3
Q

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

A
  • compulsions - actions that are carried out repeatedly, e.g. Hand washing. The same behaviour is repeated as a way to reduce anxiety.
  • avoidance - OCD is managed by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety e.g. Sufferers who wash repeatedly may avoid coming into contact with germs.
4
Q

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

A
  • anxiety and distress - obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming
  • guilt and disgust - irrational guilt, for example over a minor moral issue, or disgust may be directed towards oneself or something external like dirt.
  • accompanying depression - the anxiety associated with OCD is often accompanied by depression in terms of low mood and a lack of enjoyment in activities. The compulsive acts bring some relief but it is only temporary.
5
Q

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

A
  • obsessive thoughts - about 90% of OCD sufferers have obsessive thoughts e.g. Recurring intrusive thoughts about being contaminated by dirt or germs
  • insight into excessive anxiety - awareness that thoughts and behaviour are irrational. In spite of this, sufferers experience catastrophic thoughts and are hypervigilant I.e. ‘Over-aware’ of their obsession
6
Q

What is the cycle of OCD?

A

Obsessive thought - anxiety - compulsive behaviour - temporary relief REPEAT

7
Q

Is this an obsession or a compulsion?

Having vivid images of partner having moments of sexual passion with their lover

A

Obsession

8
Q

Is this an obsession or a compulsion?

Flipping through television stations in a particular order before turning the set off

A

Compulsion

9
Q

Is this an obsession or a compulsion?

Wife has the idea that she might poison her husband or children

A

Obsession

10
Q

Is this an obsession or a compulsion?

Checking the lights and locks 3 times before leaving the house

A

Compulsion